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About HPCAN

Who We Are

The Hospice and Palliative Care Association of Nigeria (HPCAN) is the leading organization uniting professionals, practitioners, and organizations dedicated to providing comprehensive palliative care to individuals with life-limiting illnesses. Our focus spans all ages—children and adults—and extends support to their family caregivers, ensuring holistic care that promotes dignity, comfort, and quality of life. HPCAN was established on March 28, 2007, during a pivotal visit to Abuja by Professor Anne Merriman, the founder of Hospice Africa Uganda (HAU) and a pioneer of palliative care in Africa. Her vision and dedication to improving end-of-life care catalyzed the formation of HPCAN, and she remains a key figure in advancing palliative care across the continent. With a membership of over 100 professionals from various health and non-health disciplines, HPCAN represents a vibrant and multidisciplinary network. Our members hail from more than 17 public hospitals and organizations, including hospices spread across Nigeria. The National Secretariat of HPCAN is based at the prestigious National Hospital, Abuja, serving as the operational hub for our activities. We envision a compassionate society in Nigeria, where everyone facing a serious illness has access to dignified and comprehensive palliative care. This vision aligns with our commitment to enhancing the quality of life and comfort for patients and their families. HPCAN is committed to:
A. Promoting excellence in palliative care through advocacy, education, and policy engagement.
B. Supporting the development of sustainable palliative care services throughout Nigeria.
C. Fostering collaboration and capacity-building among healthcare providers and stakeholders.
D. Ensuring equitable access to palliative care services for individuals and families in need.

Our Impact

Over the years, HPCAN has grown into a robust network of palliative care advocates and practitioners working tirelessly to bridge gaps in care delivery. Through our leadership, Nigeria is increasingly recognized as a hub for innovation and excellence in palliative care, contributing to both national and global efforts to enhance end-of-life care. By uniting under the banner of HPCAN, we aim to transform the narrative of palliative care in Nigeria, one compassionate step at a time. Join us in our mission to make dignified care a reality for all.

Our Leadership

Image 1
Prof Tajudeen Olasinde - Pioneer National President, 2007 - 2011
Image 2
Prof Adeniyi Adenikpekun – National President, 2011–2015
Image 4
Dr. Samuel Otene - National President, 2015–2019;
Image 5
Mrs Victoria Kajang - National President, 2019–2023
Image 3
Prof Tonia Onyeka - National President, 2023 till date

History & Milestones

Dame Cicely Saunders

Hospice Care in Nigeria

Professor Anne Merriman

The story of hospice and palliative care in Nigeria is one of compassion and vision. Its roots can be traced back to the early 1970s when the renowned Dame Cicely Saunders, celebrated as the pioneer of modern hospice care, visited St. Luke’s Hospital in Wusasa, Zaria, Kaduna State during a missionary outreach. With gentle hands and a heart full of empathy, she introduced the revolutionary concept of hospice care while tending to the needs of patients. Her visit sowed the seeds of the Palliative Care movement in Nigeria.

Fast forward to March 28, 2007, the Hospice and Palliative Care Association of Nigeria (HPCAN) came to life during a memorable visit by Professor Anne Merriman to Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria. Often referred to as the mother of palliative care in Africa, Professor Merriman’s encouragement, coupled with a modest seed fund of two hundred dollars, served as the spark that brought HPCAN into being. Officially registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), HPCAN emerged as the unifying body for hospice and palliative care providers across Nigeria. Since its inception, it has championed collaboration, advocacy, and the professional growth of palliative care in the country.

Over the years, HPCAN has celebrated several landmark achievements that reflect the steady growth of palliative care in Nigeria. Among these milestones is the establishment of the nation’s first hospital-based Palliative Care Unit at the Federal Medical Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State, a trailblazer in offering specialized care within a hospital setting. Another pioneering effort was the creation of the first hospital-based Day Hospice at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, which continues to provide a safe haven for patients to receive care while maintaining a connection to their daily lives. These milestones, and the visionaries who made them possible, symbolize the heart of HPCAN’s mission: to ensure that every Nigerian facing a serious illness receives compassionate, comprehensive, and dignified care. It is a mission grounded in history, strengthened by collaboration, and driven by an unwavering commitment to making a difference.

GOVERNANCE

Current National Executives

  • National President: Prof. Tonia Onyeka
  • Vice-President: Mrs. Oluwatoyin Adegboye
  • General Secretary: Mr. Aaron Dandodo
  • Assistant General Secretary: Pharm. Obianuju Anyaebosi
  • Treasurer: Mrs. Ololade Maboreje
  • Financial Secretary: Mrs. Nkechi Uzoma
  • Auditor: Mrs. Timna Ibrahim
  • PRO/Social Secretary: Mrs. Pauline Obochi
  • Ex-officio: Mrs. Victoria Kajang

Board of Trustees

  • Prof. JTK Duncan
  • Prof. Olaitan Soyannwo
  • Dr. AR Oyesegun
  • Dr. Mrs. Y Thorpe
  • Dr. Z Ajuwon
  • Chief Dr. Chidinma Uwajumogu

Past National Presidents

  • Prof. Tajudeen Olasinde
  • Prof. Adeniyi Adenipkekun
  • Dr. Samuel Otene
  • Mrs. Victoria Kajang

Special Interest Groups

  • Paediatric Palliative Care
  • Palliative Care Nursing
  • Geriatric Palliative Care
  • Palliative Care Research
  • Oncology (Cancer) Palliative Care
  • Spiritual Care in Palliative Care
  • Policy & Advocacy in Palliative Care
  • Education and Training in Palliative Care
  • Palliative Care in Primary Healthcare
  • Implementation Science for Palliative Care
Special Interest Group Image
Participants at the LUTH Pain & Palliative Care Unit’s annual palliative care symposium
Prof Olaitan Soyannwo
Nigeria’s Mother of Palliative Care, Prof Olaitan Soyannwo, with Mr Aaron, Social Work lead on the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Palliative Care team.

Publications

  • Olasinde T, Onyeka T, Adenipekun A, Otene S, Kajang V, Soyannwo O. Decoding the palliative care landscape in Nigeria: Progress, challenges, and the road ahead. Palliat Support Care. 2025 Jun 25;23:e123. doi: 10.1017/S1478951525100321. PMID: 40556545. PubMed
  • Ogbenna AA, Caputo M, Onyeka TC, Ohanete DO, Johnson LS, Sam-Agudu NA, Obiezu-Umeh C, Akodu B, Drane D, Evans CT, Akinwale MO, Ndukwu GU, Kolawole IK, Ayilara SA, Eke GK, Akinsete AM, Ogunseitan A, Doobay-Persaud A. Organizational models and patient-reported outcomes for palliative care across five tertiary hospitals in Nigeria: An environmental scan. PLOS Glob Public Health. 2025 Jun 4;5(6):e0004638. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0004638. PMID: 40465678; PMCID: PMC12136337. PubMed
  • Namisango Eve, Onyeka Tonia, Esther Nafula, Luyirika Emmanuel B K, Ali Zipporah, Powell Richard A. Creating the evidence base for palliative care in cancer – models and strategies to build research capacity. ecancer. 2024;18:1819. View Article
  • Peeler A, Afolabi O, Harding R. Palliative care is an overlooked global health priority. BMJ. 2024 Nov 1;387:q2387. doi: 10.1136/bmj.q2387. PMID: 39486840. PubMed
  • Akodu B, Olokodana-Adesalu O, Ojikutu M, Ogbenna A, Agunbiade T, Nwosa N, Persaud AD, Caputo M, Drane D, Evans C, Ogunseitan A, Hauser J. Pattern of admissions and needs assessment for palliative care services among in-patients in a tertiary health facility in South-Western Nigeria. BMC Palliat Care. 2024 Aug 19;23(1):210. doi: 10.1186/s12904-024-01537-w. PMID: 39160529. PubMed
  • Onyeka TC, Emodi I, Mohammed AD, Ofakunrin AO, Alabi A, Onu JU, Iloanusi N, Ohaeri J, Anarado A, Umar MU, Olukiran G, Sowunmi A, Akinsete A, Adegboyega B, Chibuzo IN, Fatiregun O, Abdullah SU, Gambo MJ, Mohammad MA, Babandi F, Bok M, Asufi J, Ungut PK, Shehu M, Abdullahi S, Allsop M, Shambe I, Ugwu I, Ikenga S, Balagadde Kambugu J, Namisango E. In-hospital psychoeducation for family caregivers of Nigerian children with cancer (The RESCUE Study). Palliat Support Care. 2024 Mar 14:1-12. doi: 10.1017/S1478951524000178. PMID: 38482879. PubMed
  • Ogbenna A, Caputo M, Akodu B, Drane D, Ohanete D, Doobay-Persaud A, Ogunseitan A, Johnson L, Hou L, Akanmu A, Hauser JM. Online palliative care curriculum: contextual adaptation for Nigerian healthcare workers. BMJ Support Palliat Care. 2024 Jun 19. doi: 10.1136/spcare-2024-004944. PMID: 38897665. PubMed
  • Idemili-Aronu N, Onyeka TC, Okenwa UJ, Jemisenia JO, Okoli IA, Olawepo JO, Ezeanolue EE. Knowledge, attitudes, and barriers: Palliative Care services for women with HIV in resource-limited settings. BMC Palliat Care. 2024 Sep 17;23(1):227. doi: 10.1186/s12904-024-01558-5. PMID: 39289649. PubMed
  • Peeler A, Afolabi O, Adcock M, Evans C, Nkhoma K, van Breevoort D, Farrant L, Harding R. Primary palliative care in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review and thematic synthesis of the evidence for models and outcomes. Palliat Med. 2024 Sep;38(8):776-789. doi: 10.1177/02692163241248324. PMID: 38693716. PubMed
  • Soyannwo O, Chaudakshetrin P, Garcia JB. The value of the International Association for the Study of Pain to developing countries. Pain. 2023 Nov 1;164(11S):S39-S42. doi: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003060. PMID: 37831959.
  • Martin MG, Chidebe RCW, Nwaneri MO, Miller E, Okoye I, Esiaka DK, Olasinde TA, Durosinmi-Etti FA, Igbinoba F, Adegboyega BC, Adenjii A, Aruah CS, Orjiakor TC, Abubakar BM, Atuwo D, O'Connor T. Impact of 10-Day Fulbright Specialist Program and Project Pink Blue Education Sessions on Medical Oncology Knowledge Among Physicians Who Treat Cancer in Nigeria. J Cancer Educ. 2023 Feb;38(1):378-382. doi: 10.1007/s13187-021-02130-y. PMID: 35838882. PubMed
  • Onyeka TC, Onu JU, Agom DA. Psychosocial aspects of adult cancer patients: A scoping review of sub-Saharan Africa. Psychooncology. 2023 Jan;32(1):86-106. doi: 10.1002/pon.6052. PMID: 36250212. PubMed
  • Doobay-Persaud A, Solchanyk D, Fleming O, Patel N, Drane D, Hauser J, Ogbenna A. Palliative Care Challenges in Nigeria: A qualitative study of interprofessional perceptions. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2023 Jan;65(1):e1-e5. doi: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.10.002. PMID: 36244641. PubMed
  • Garton EM, Ali Z, Cira MK, Haskins L, Jacobsen PB, Kayiira A, Lasebikan N, Onyeka T, Romero Y, Shirima S, Tittenbrun Z, Mollica MA. An analysis of survivorship care strategies in national cancer control plans in Africa. J Cancer Surviv. 2023 Jun;17(3):634-645. doi: 10.1007/s11764-022-01320-x. PMID: 36656300. PubMed
  • Folorunso SA, Ntekim A, Abdus-Salam AA, Olabumuyi A, Folorunso AO, Igbinoba F, Adenipekun AA. Fatigue as a complicating factor in the recovery of breast cancer survivors treated at an oncology clinic in South West Nigeria: a case-control study. Ecancermedicalscience. 2022 Jul 4;16:1420. doi: 10.3332/ecancer.2022.1420. PMID: 36158984; PMCID: PMC9458267. PubMed
  • Abdus-Salam A, Ntekim A, Folorunso S, Folasire A, Jimoh M, Adenipekun A. Pre-Treatment Knowledge and Side-Effects Experienced during Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital. Niger Med J. 2022 Apr 28;62(4):202-207. doi: 10.60787/NMJ-62-4-37. PMID: 38694219; PMCID: PMC11058440. PubMed
  • Ogbenna A, Drane D, Crowe AN, Oyedele O, Hauser J, Soyannwo O, Ogunseitan A, Doobay-Persaud A. Building the Nigerian Palliative Care Workforce: An Interdisciplinary Distance Learning Training Program. Ann Glob Health. 2022 Oct 27;88(1):96. doi: 10.5334/aogh.3744. PMID: 36380743; PMCID: PMC9615602. PubMed
  • Afolabi OA, Nkhoma K, Soyannwo O, Aje A, Ogunniyi A, Harding R, Maddocks M. Integrated Primary Palliative Care in Nigeria - Perspectives of Patients, Families and Providers. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2022 Oct;64(4):319-329. doi: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.06.019. Epub 2022 Jul 11. PMID: 35835429.
  • Agom DA, Sixsmith J, Ominyi J, Onyeka TC, Agom JC. Placing Care: The Impact of the Physical Environment on Experiences of Providing and Utilizing Palliative Care. J Nurs Res. 2022 Oct 1;30(5):e237. doi: 10.1097/jnr.0000000000000508. PMID: 35939794. PubMed
  • Iheanacho PN, Opara HC, Ifezulumba JC, Omotola N, Ingwu JA, Anarado AN. Nurses' Perceived Challenges in the Management of Hospitalized Cancer Patients in a Comprehensive Cancer Center in Southeastern Nigeria. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2022 Oct 1;23(10):3587-3593. doi: 10.31557/APJCP.2022.23.10.3587. PMID: 36308386; PMCID: PMC9924352. PubMed
  • Joseph AO, Salako O, Alabi A, Habeebu M, Balogun O, Ayodele O, Awofeso OM, Adenipekun A. Cancer pain control in a Nigerian oncology clinic: treating the disease and not the patient. Pan Afr Med J. 2021 Oct 15;40:104. doi: 10.11604/pamj.2021.40.104.25225. PMID: 34909089; PMCID: PMC8641630. PubMed
  • Oji N, Onyeka T, Soyannwo O, Paal P, Elsner F. Correction: Perspectives, perceived self-efficacy, and preparedness of newly qualified physicians in practising palliative care—a qualitative study. BMC Palliat Care. 2022 Nov 21;21(1):201. doi: 10.1186/s12904-022-01103-2. Erratum for: BMC Palliat Care. 2022 Aug 4;21(1):141. PMID: 36404316; PMCID: PMC9677684.
  • Agom DA, Onyeka TC, Iheanacho PN, Ominyi J. Barriers to the Provision and Utilization of Palliative Care in Africa: A Rapid Scoping Review. Indian J Palliat Care. 2021 Jan-Mar;27(1):3-17. doi: 10.4103/IJPC.IJPC_355_20. PMID: 34035611; PMCID: PMC8121217. PubMed
  • Oduyemi AY, Okafor IP, Eze UT, Akodu BA, Roberts AA. Internalization of stigma among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder in Nigeria: a mixed method study. BMC Psychol. 2021 Nov 21;9(1):182. doi: 10.1186/s40359-021-00687-3. PMID: 34802470; PMCID: PMC8607563. PubMed
  • Afolabi OA, Abboah-Offei M, Namisango E, Chukwusa E, Oluyase AO, Luyirika EB, Harding R, Nkhoma K. COVID-19 and palliative care capacity, African Region. Bull World Health Organ. 2021 Aug 1;99(8):542–542A. doi: 10.2471/BLT.20.285286. PMID: 34354305; PMCID: PMC8319866. PubMed
  • Afolabi OA, Abboah-Offei M, Namisango E, Chukwusa E, Oluyase AO, Luyirika EBK, Harding R, Nkhoma K. Do the Clinical Management Guidelines for COVID-19 in African Countries Reflect the African Quality Palliative Care Standards? A Review of Current Guidelines. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2021 May;61(5):e17–e23. doi: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.01.126. PMID: 33617951; PMCID: PMC7894087. PubMed
  • Afolabi OA, Nkhoma K, Maddocks M, Harding R. What constitutes a palliative care need in people with serious illnesses across Africa? A mixed-methods systematic review of the concept and evidence. Palliat Med. 2021 Jun;35(6):1052–1070. doi: 10.1177/02692163211008784. PMID: 33860715; PMCID: PMC8371282. PubMed
  • Mutebi M, Adewole I, Orem J, Abdella K, Coker O, Kolawole I, Komen A, Munema A, Ndlovu N, O'Brien M, Koh WJ, Carlson R; African Cancer Coalition. Toward Optimization of Cancer Care in Sub-Saharan Africa: Development of National Comprehensive Cancer Network Harmonized Guidelines for Sub-Saharan Africa. JCO Glob Oncol. 2020 Sep;6:1412-1418. doi: 10.1200/GO.20.00091. PMID: 32970487; PMCID: PMC7529540. PubMed
  • Onyeka TC, Iloanusi N, Namisango E, Onu JU, Okunade KS, Mohammed AD, Gadanya MA, Nagoma AU, Ojiakor S, Ilo C, Okuzu O, Oduche C, Ugwu N, Allsop MJ. Project OPUS: Development and evaluation of an electronic platform for pain management education of medical undergraduates in resource-limited settings. PLoS One. 2020 Dec 10;15(12):e0243573. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243573. PMID: 33301477; PMCID: PMC7728241. PubMed
  • Agom DA, Ominyi J, Onyeka TC, Anyigor CN. Exploring Organizational Culture Regarding Provision and Utilization of Palliative Care in a Nigerian Context: An Interpretive Descriptive Study. Indian J Palliat Care. 2020 Jul-Sep;26(3):358-364. doi: 10.4103/IJPC.IJPC_39_20. PMID: 33311880; PMCID: PMC7725171. PubMed
  • Mustapha MI, Ali-Gombe M, Abdullahi A, Adenipekun A, Campbell OB. Financial Burden of Cancer on Patients Treated at a Tertiary Health Facility in South West Nigeria. J West Afr Coll Surg. 2020 Oct-Dec;10(4):23-29. doi: 10.4103/jwas.jwas_4_22. PMID: 35814963; PMCID: PMC9267039. PubMed
  • Agom DA, Allen S, Neill S, Sixsmith J, Poole H, Onyeka TC, Ominyi J. Social and Health System Complexities Impacting on Decision-Making for Utilization of Oncology and Palliative Care in an African Context: A Qualitative Study. J Palliat Care. 2020 Jul;35(3):185-191. doi: 10.1177/0825859719892084. PMID: 31842664. PubMed
  • Onyekonwu CL, Onyeka TC, Brenda NC, Ijoma UN, Unaogu NN, Onwuekwe IO, Ugwumba F, Nwutobo CR, Nwachukwu CV. Chronic HIV infection and health related quality of life in resource poor settings—an assessment from South East Nigeria. Afr Health Sci. 2020 Mar;20(1):102-113. doi: 10.4314/ahs.v20i1.15. PMID: 33402898; PMCID: PMC7750088. PubMed
  • Akodu BA, Ugochukwu SN, Eyitayo OA, Abiola A. Amputation Characteristics, Caregiver Support and Psychosocial Effect of Amputation among Adult Amputees at Tertiary Hospitals in Lagos Nigeria. West Afr J Med. 2020 Oct;37(5):537-547. PMID: 33058130. PubMed
  • Yorke E, Oyebola FO, Otene SA, Klein A. Tramadol: a valuable treatment for pain in Ghana and Nigeria. Curr Med Res Opin. 2019 May;35(5):777-784. doi: 10.1080/03007995.2019.1585168. PMID: 30782026. PubMed
  • Eke GK, Akani NA. Outcome of childhood malignancies at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital: a call for implementation of palliative care. Afr Health Sci. 2016 Mar;16(1):75-82. doi: 10.4314/ahs.v16i1.10. PMID: 27358616; PMCID: PMC4915401. PubMed