DYING WITH DIGNITY: EXPANDING PALLIATIVE CARE ACCESS FOR NEURO-ONCOLOGY PATIENTS IN AFRICA Clemsogar20@gmail.com

 

DYING WITH DIGNITY: EXPANDING PALLIATIVE CARE ACCESS FOR NEURO-ONCOLOGY PATIENTS IN AFRICA

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Nigeria

Oral or Poster

Neuro-oncology patients in Africa face poor quality of life, unmanaged pain, and caregiver strain due to limited palliative care access. Key barriers include weak infrastructure, workforce shortages, and low provider awareness, despite increasing disease incidence. This study explored these challenges and proposed strategic solutions to improve palliative care delivery across the continent.

The study utilized a narrative review method, analyzing 64 articles published between 2007 and 2025 from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. The research focused on palliative care accessibility, neuro-oncology management, and relevant healthcare policies across Africa, synthesizing key themes related to barriers, policy gaps, and potential interventions.

Less than 30% of neuro-oncology patients in African institutions access specialized palliative care, hindered by poor provider training, limited funding, and cultural stigma. About 75% of caregivers face emotional and financial strain, while patients often suffer due to lack of opioids. Yet, community-based care and telemedicine improve outcomes. Though delays persist, countries like Nigeria, Uganda, and Zimbabwe have adapted care to local needs. Uganda stands out with a national palliative care network and improved morphine access.

Bridging the palliative care gap in neuro-oncology requires integrating it into oncology treatment, expanding training, increasing funding, and utilizing community initiatives and telemedicine. Effective models stress early integration, multidisciplinary collaboration, and decentralization for rural access. Educating providers and communities helps destigmatize opioids and encourage advanced care planning. Urgent policy action is essential to prioritize palliative care in national cancer plans, improve opioid access, and support workforce training to reduce disparities.