Hospice Ethiopia is deeply committed to making a meaningful impact on cancer care in Ethiopia. Our latest research initiative, Improving Access to Community Cancer Care in Ethiopia to Supportive Services (Improving ACCESS), aims to bring much-needed support and care to those battling cancer in urban and rural communities.

Hospice Ethiopia is supporting efforts with Addis Ababa University in a recent grant awarded by the ASCO Foundation.

Improving Cancer Care in Ethiopian Communities Conquer Cancer®, the ASCO Foundation, has a mission to accelerate breakthroughs in lifesaving research and empower people everywhere to conquer cancer. Through our Grants & Awards Program, we are building a pipeline of future leaders and are supporting and encouraging excellence in clinical and translational research in the field of oncology. Since 1984, the Program has awarded more than $190 million in funding through over 9,200 grants and awards to medical students, residents, fellows, scientists, and oncologists in 89 countries. (source ASCO Website).

What’s the Research Project About?

This research project is designed to assess the feasibility and identify barriers to bringing palliative care directly to the community level, utilizing an innovative approach. In Ethiopia, traditional community groups called Iddirs, which typically support funeral services, will now be trained to offer essential healthcare services to cancer patients. By expanding the roles of Iddirs, we hope to provide care and support to those who might otherwise be unable to access medical help due to financial constraints.

Objectives and Goals

Our short-term goal is to engage with key stakeholders – healthcare providers and community members – to design and pilot this initiative effectively. We aim to understand the needs of cancer patients and the feasibility of training Iddirs to fulfill these needs. Our ultimate goal is to implement this model across Ethiopia, ensuring that everyone has access to compassionate and effective cancer care.

Our Team

Our team comprises experts from both local and international institutions, including in-house experts from Hospice Ethiopia, Addis Ababa University, Stanford University, Northwestern University, and the World Hospice and Palliative Care Alliance. With such a diverse and experienced team, we are confident in our ability to make a significant impact.

Overcoming Challenges

We recognize that there are challenges ahead, such as cultural differences and geographical dispersion. However, we are prepared to address these issues by engaging with a wide range of community leaders and forming a multiethnic advisory group to guide our efforts.

Looking Ahead

Our vision for the future includes applying for further funding to expand and sustain the project. We aim to share our findings and resources widely, contributing to the global effort to improve palliative care. At the heart of the Improving ACCCESS Project is our commitment to making a real difference in the lives of those affected by cancer in Ethiopia. We are excited about the potential of this initiative to transform community healthcare and provide hope and support to countless individuals.