Professor Dr Anne Merriman, of the Hospice Africa Uganda, is to receive a 2013 Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish abroad, to be presented by the President of Ireland on November 26th 2013. This is a tremendous honour that goes to very few Irish people across the world.

Hospice Africa Uganda are currently celebrating 20 years of Palliative Care in Uganda, as well as 20 years of Hospice Africa Uganda – initially instigated by Dr Merriman who continues to inspire people who want to ensure that palliative care is accessible for all in need.

Last month Dr Merriman received a lifetime achievement award for her advocacy in Uganda and across Africa from the African Palliative Care Association and Hospice Africa Uganda as an institution received the Advocacy Award for its ongoing long term work in Advocacy for Hospice and Palliative Care in Uganda and across Africa – representing the hundreds of people who have contributed to the continued understanding and practice of palliative care across Africa.

ecancermdicalscience is honoured to include Dr Merriman on our Editorial Board and will be working with her to support her mission of palliative care for all.