BREAST HEALTH GLOBAL INITIATIVE(BHGI) SUPPORTIVE CARE GUIDELINES& THEIR ROLE IN ADVOCACY : The Uganda Experience Gertrude Nakigudde Patient Advocate Uganda women’s Cancer Support Organisation (UWOCASO) UGANDA, Member of Stratified Guideline Advisory Group (GAG), AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY (ASCO) 2 nd EAST AFRICAN WE CAN SUMMIT 10 th - 12 th September, 2014

BHGI SUPPORTIVE CARE GUIDELINES Defn. These are Consensus, evidence based, economically stratified medical tools formulated to improve the quality of life for breast cancer patients during treatment, survivorship, palliative and end of life care, in low and middle income countries (LMCs).

Purpose of BHGI supportive care guidelines Due to unmet supportive care needs for Breast Cancer patients in LMCs, BHGI formulated “Supportive care and Quality of Life guidelines” to enhance knowledge and understanding of complex issues of breast cancer patients throughout the continuum of care.

IT HAPPENED Panel of experts at BHGI October 3 rd -2012, Vienna Austria, came up with recommendations for breast cancer supportive care program implementation in LMCs resource settings.

ADVOCACY A process by individuals or organisations with an aim to influence public policy and resource allocation decisions within political, economical and social systems and institutions.

ROLE OF GUIDELINES IN ADVOCACY 1)They act as evidences to the attention of policy makers and all stake holders. Guidelines are formulated after comprehensive research, patient stories, health professionals’ experiences. 2)Help advocacy groups to plan for advocacy activities based on recommendations

ROLES CONTD….. 3)Guidelines bridge the gap between Advocates, policy makers and other stakeholders since roles and responsibilities are clearly indicated. 4)Guidelines allow partnerships, networking and community engagements.

UGANDA EXPERIENCE DIALOGUE Public campaign

UGANDA EXPER.CONTD. Patient support Survivorship- support group

TRAINING

MEDIA ENGAGEMENT

CONCLUSION Having BHGI supportive care guidelines in place, UN recommendations at high level meeting 2011, WHO guidelines and commitments from NCI Centre for Global health to address breast and cervical cancers, Advocates from LMCs have enough evidence to influence policy on resource allocation for prevention, treatment and end of life care. TOGETHER WE CAN

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