Health 2 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Enhances Palliative Care with 11 New Ambulances
An Irish humanitarian initiative, Hope on Wheels, has donated eleven ambulances to Uganda to bolster emergency services for patients requiring palliative care, including those with cancer and HIV/AIDS. The donation aims to address critical gaps in access to such crucial services across the country. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uganda-gets-11-ambulances-for-palliative-care-5482466
Uganda’s palliative care services have received a significant boost following a donation of 11 ambulances from the Irish humanitarian organization, Hope on Wheels (HOW).
The ambulances are intended to improve emergency response for patients suffering from life-limiting illnesses such as cancer and HIV/AIDS, as well as other palliative care needs.
The initiative was inspired by the late Dr. Anne Merriman, a pioneer in palliative care in Africa and the founder of Hospice Africa Uganda. Tom Doyle, HOW Board Chairperson, explained that an initial discussion with Dr. Merriman about providing one ambulance evolved into a broader plan to support multiple hospices.
With support from the Palliative Care Association of Uganda, HOW expanded its vision. They collaborated with Ireland’s National Ambulance Service and fire services, which contributed the vehicles after learning about the need in Uganda. While some ambulances are several years old, they have been well-maintained.
The delivery faced several challenges, including disruptions from the US-Iran conflict and concerns over the Ebola outbreak in neighboring DR Congo and a few cases in Uganda. Despite health risks, volunteers from HOW demonstrated bravery by traveling to Uganda to facilitate the handover.
During the handover ceremony, Dr. Charles Olaro, Director General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, received the ambulances and highlighted that the Ebola situation in Uganda is under control, assuring international travelers of their safety. He also announced the launch of the Dr. Anne Merriman Fund for Palliative Care in Uganda, aimed at further improving access to these vital services.
Despite this donation, a substantial gap remains in palliative care provision, with Uganda needing approximately 3,000 professionals but only having 350. The Ministry of Health plans to distribute the new ambulances to various hospice facilities across the country, many of which are operated by charitable organizations.
This donation was reported by the Daily Monitor.