CONCEPT NOTE
The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) and the Palliative Care Association of Uganda (PCAU) will host a Joint International Conference on Cancer and Palliative Care at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala, Uganda from 24th to 25th August, 2017 under the theme: “United against Cancer: Prevention to End of Life Care”. The conference will showcase both plenary lectures and special sessions on current research in any field in cancer and palliative care.

BACKGROUND
The UCI is Uganda’s premier cancer treatment center that has contributed tremendously to research and care of cancer patients worldwide since its inception in 1968. In August 2017 UCI will celebrate 50 years of existence and several achievements including being selected to host the regional center of excellence in oncology – The East Africa Oncology Institute.

PCAU is a non-governmental organization that supports and promotes the development of palliative care services in Uganda. Since 2003 PCAU has held 6 biennial conferences that brought together local and international stakeholders in palliative care. This year PCAU is partnering with UCI to host the 7th biennial conference as part of the joint conference.

Through this partnership, the conference will offer an expanded scope, enriched experience and unique opportunities to discuss research and improve delivery of cancer care. The conference will provide an opportunity to showcase scientific and program work carried out by different individuals and institutions.

CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES
This conference will assemble researchers, healthcare providers, advocates, and patients from diverse disciplines who are involved in cancer care and research with 4 objectives:

1. To showcase cancer and palliative care research conducted in East Africa and else where

2. To share strategies for standardization of cancer care across East Africa

3. To document resources available for cancer care, research, and training in East Africa, and identify gaps and priorities for improved access to care

4. To promote collaborative work on cancer and palliative care among participating national, regional and international institutions.

The conference will offer information on the entire continuum of cancer care as well as palliative care for other conditions through both plenary lectures and special sessions. The conference proceedings will provide a critical cornerstone to fast tracking translation of research findings into practice and facilitate standardization of cancer care in the East African region. Six hundred delegates are expected to attend this conference, the first of its kind, including policy makers, eminent researchers, healthcare providers, patients and the general public.