MODE OF CONFERENCE DELIVERY

1. Through plenary sessions delivered by globally renowned speakers across the four track areas.
2. Pre-conference workshops
3. Oral and poster presentations based on abstracts that will be reviewed and accepted by the scientific committee.
4. Abstract based workshops and other special workshops identified by the conference scientific committee.
5. Exhibitions

Summary of the pre-conference workshops

The following four pre-conference workshops are proposed. Their actual implementation will be dependent on the availability of funds. APCA and the Ministry of Rwanda are open to partnerships and collaborations in the financing and effective delivery of these workshops.

a)Third session of the African Ministers of Health on palliative care

This session follows the second session of the African Ministers of Health Session on Palliative Care held in Kampala, Uganda at the 5^th International African Palliative care conference held in August 2016. At this session, ministers unanimously adopted a Consensus statement for strengthening palliative care as a component of comprehensive care throughout the life course in Africa – “The Kampala Declaration 2016.” The 2019 third session of the African Ministers of Health on palliative care will aim to elaborate the importance of palliative care and pain relief as part of the essential package for universal health coverage. The session is expected to inspire African Governments to consider the inclusion of palliative care and pain relief in their roadmaps towards UHC. It is also expected to build the momentum of African Governments and obtain commitment towards the inclusion of palliative care and pain relief in the deliberations and outcome document from the UN high-level meeting on UHC in 2019. Country progress and plans for UHC will be shared to create inspiration and renewed commitment towards UHC that is inclusive of palliative care and pain relief. Ministers will also share their progress and update each other on implementing the WHA resolution on palliative care since the 2016 session. A more detailed summary of this session will be available.

b)Pre-conference Research workshop

This workshop will evaluate progress in building the evidence base for palliative care since the last tri-annual workshop in August 2016, as well as share some of the outstanding research projects accomplished. It will also facilitate the review of the regional direction and prioritisation of the research agenda.  Members will have an opportunity to engage in discussions aimed at developing the minimum membership package. 

c)Partnerships and collaboration

To achieve universal access to palliative care and pain relief as a core component of UHC, partnerships and collaborations are critical. These provide opportunities for leveraging resources, including non-financial resources such as knowledge and skills. This workshop will therefore facilitate the sharing of models and approaches for successful partnerships and outcomes. Delegates will also share frameworks and innovations in developing and sustaining meaningful partnerships. It is expected that new linkages and collaborations will result from the workshop and general conference.

d)Interdisciplinary pain management pre-conference workshop for health care workers, Tuesday 17^th September 2019, 9:00 – 5:00pm. (Sponsored by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP))

Only 30 places available on a first come, first serve basis, and are limited to those registered for the 6^th International African Palliative Care conference

Introduction

Pain is one of the most reported symptoms and prompts the seeking of healthcare for both acute and chronic conditions. Pain management is therefore central to good palliative care and the achievement of quality of life for adults and children with serious chronic illnesses.

Workshop goal

To boost understanding and sharing of lessons and experiences on pain concepts and the basics of interdisciplinary pain management for health care workers in Africa. The workshop will cover pain topics relevant to daily clinical practice, education and advocacy for pain management.

Workshop objectives

1. To provide an impetus for pain practitioners in African countries to develop multidisciplinary pain management infrastructure or to enhance existing infrastructure
2. To foster south to south and north to south collaboration in achieving pain relief in Africa
3. To share best practices and patient level outcomes for pain management in Africa
4. To share success, lessons and challenges in pain management education and advocacy in Africa

Eligibility Requirements

1. Should be in clinical practice setting, an educator or advocate for pain management
2. Have at least two years of experience in your career