One of our graduate scholars, Toko Friday Santiago, travelled to Botswana in September for the African Palliative Care Conference, presenting some of his research work on social protection issues for refugees. We were delighted to sponsor this opportunity for Toko and current Cairdeas scholar, Phillip Amol Kuol, who both hold such great passion and desire to give back to their communities. I asked Toko to share his experience of the conference and sharing his research, and how opportunities like these help with his continued professional development.

In September, I had the privilege of attending and presenting a poster at the African Palliative Care Conference held in Gaborone, Botswana. The conference brought together healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, and advocates from across Africa and beyond to share knowledge and innovations aimed at improving palliative care services. For me, this experience marked an important milestone in my academic and professional journey as an emerging researcher interested in issues of vulnerability, health equity, and social protection.

My poster focused on exploring the factors that promote social protection among the refugees in Palorinya Refugee settlement.  Refugees often face numerous challenges including poverty, trauma, limited access to healthcare services, and social exclusion. In such circumstances, social protection mechanisms such as community support, humanitarian assistance, and inclusive health programs play a crucial role in addressing both the health and social needs of these vulnerable populations. 

Preparing the poster was an exciting and challenging process. Translating research ideas into a concise visual format required careful thought and creativity. A poster presentation must communicate key findings clearly and quickly, often to audiences from different professional backgrounds. I had to think critically about what information was most important and how best to present it in a way that could spark discussion and interest among conference participants.

Designing the poster also pushed me to develop new communication skills, learning how to balance text, visuals, and data so that the message remained clear, engaging, and accessible to a diverse audience. This experience helped me appreciate the importance of communicating research in ways that are both informative and visually appealing.

The poster session was one of the most memorable parts of the conference. Researchers, clinicians, and policymakers walked through the exhibition area, stopping to engage with presenters and discuss their work. Standing beside my poster, I had the opportunity to share the motivation behind the research and explain why social protection is critical for refugee populations.

Many participants expressed interest in the topic and shared their own experiences working with displaced communities in different parts of Africa. These conversations were particularly meaningful because they highlighted how the challenges faced by refugees are shared across many contexts on the continent.

The discussions that followed were incredibly enriching. Participants asked thoughtful questions, shared insights from their own work, and reflected on how similar approaches could be applied in other settings. These conversations highlighted the growing recognition of the need to address social determinants of health within palliative care.

Presenting at the conference was a deeply rewarding experience. It challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and engage with an international audience of experts and practitioners. Interacting with professionals from different countries and disciplines broadened my perspective and reinforced the importance of collaboration in addressing complex health and humanitarian challenges.

One of the most important lessons I learned was the value of dialogue and knowledge exchange. Conferences such as the African Palliative Care Conference create opportunities for professionals from diverse disciplines and regions to learn from one another. Through these exchanges, new ideas emerge and innovative solutions to complex health challenges can be developed.

The experience also strengthened my confidence as an emerging researcher. Sharing my work on such a platform affirmed the importance of research that highlights the needs of marginalized communities, particularly refugees who often remain underrepresented in health discussions.

Participating in the conference has inspired me to continue exploring ways to strengthen palliative care services for vulnerable populations. There is a growing need to integrate social protection, community support systems, and culturally sensitive care approaches into health programs that serve displaced communities.

As Africa continues to face humanitarian challenges and population displacement, it is essential that health systems and social services work together to ensure that no one is left behind.

I am deeply grateful to organizations such as Cairdeas International Palliative Care Trust that supported my participation in the conference. Opportunities like this not only contribute to professional development but also help amplify important conversations about health equity, dignity, and compassionate care for vulnerable populations.

Attending and presenting at the African Palliative Care Conference in Gaborone was an unforgettable experience. It reminded me that research is not only about generating knowledge it is also about advocating for change and giving voice to communities whose stories deserve to be heard.

Thank you to Toko for sharing your experiences at the APCA conference, and for the wonderful work you do helping refugee populations. We are excited to see your work continue and grow, making a difference to those who need it most, and promoting the expansion of palliative care in Africa.