The Role of Governments & Policy Makers
The legislative scaffolding, funding pathways and ministerial commitments needed to embed palliative care into Nigeria's primary health system.
Hospice & Palliative Care Association of Nigeria, Abuja ChapterCare that meets the
Care that meets the
whole person.
A non-governmental organization committed to improving the quality of life for Nigerians living with serious, life-limiting illnesses — and for the families and caregivers who walk that path with them.
AdvocacyEducationIntegration of carePain & symptom reliefEmotional support
Currently Featured18th Scientific Conference & AGM
Dates30 June - 3 July 2026
LocationGwagwalada, Abuja FCT
FormatHybrid · In-person & online
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About HPCAN
Nearly two decades of advocating for compassionate care across Nigeria.
“Palliative Care — Access for All.”
HPCAN mottoThe Hospice & Palliative Care Association of Nigeria (HPCAN) is a non-governmental organization committed to improving the quality of life for patients with serious, life-limiting illnesses in Nigeria, while also supporting their families and caregivers.
Through advocacy, education, and the integration of palliative and hospice care into the national healthcare system, HPCAN collaborates with hospitals, healthcare providers, and key stakeholders to promote compassionate care focused on pain relief, symptom management, and emotional support.
01
Advocacy
Shaping policy and public understanding of palliative care across Nigeria.
02
Education
Training healthcare professionals, family caregivers and community leaders.
03
Integration
Embedding palliative & hospice care into hospitals, clinics and the national health system.
Currently Featured Event
18th
Annual Scientific Conference & AGM
600+
Expected delegates
24
Speakers & faculty
4
Days of programme
Strengthening Palliative Care in Nigeria: the total psychological well-being of the patient.
The Annual Scientific Conference serves as a vital platform for achieving our objectives and promoting excellence in the health sector. We humbly request your kind support, participation and goodwill as we host the 2026 edition in Abuja.
Sub-themes01 02
Community Involvement in Palliative Care
Family caregivers, faith communities, traditional leaders and volunteers — the human network that turns clinical guidance into lived support at home.
Supported ByPartners advancing palliative care in Nigeria
Federal Ministry of Health
WHO Nigeria
University of Abuja Teaching Hospital
UCH Ibadan
LUTH
African Palliative Care Assoc.
UNFPA
MTN Foundation
Federal Ministry of Health
WHO Nigeria
University of Abuja Teaching Hospital
UCH Ibadan
LUTH
African Palliative Care Assoc.
UNFPA
MTN Foundation
Conference SpeakersVoices shaping the
Voices shaping the
future of palliative care.
Prof. Tonia Chinyelu Onyeka
Professor of Palliative Medicine
College of Medicine, University of Nigeria
Dr. Chinwe Madubuko
Consultant, Hospice Medicine
Lagos University Teaching Hospital
Hon. Suleiman Bello
Senior Health Policy Advisor
Federal Ministry of Health
Sr. Mary Nwokolo
Director, Community Hospice
Mother of Mercy Hospice, Enugu
Conference AgendaThree days of plenary,
Three days of plenary,
practice and policy.
A working programme built around evidence-based sessions, hands-on workshops and community dialogue. Pre-conference opens 12:00 noon on 30 June via Zoom; main conference doors open 8:00 am in Abuja from 1 July.
Virtual pre-conference via Zoom — open to healthcare professionals, caregivers, policymakers, community and religious leaders, and palliative care advocates.
08:00
Registration & Networking
Exhibitions — Hospices, NGOs, training institutions, psychosocial support services
09:00
Opening Ceremony
HPCAN UATH-Chapter · HPCAN President · Chairman of Occasion · CMD UATH · Federal/State Ministry of Health
10:00
Keynote Address: Strengthening Palliative Care in Nigeria
Guest Speaker — Total Psychosocial Well-Being of the Patient (emotional, social, spiritual & mental health dimensions)
11:00
Group Photography
11:15
Tea Break
11:30
Nominal Group Technique Session
Priority Strategies for Integrating Comprehensive Psychosocial Care into Routine Palliative Care Services in Nigeria
12:15
Plenary 1: Role of Government & Policymakers in Palliative Care
National policy status · Psychosocial care integration · Funding · Workforce gaps · Mental health alignment
13:00
Lunch Break
13:30
Scientific Session 1 — Abstract Presentations
16:00
Paper Presentation: Communication Skills for Difficult Conversations
17:00
Break
17:30
Conference Dinner
By invitation
08:00
Registration & Networking
09:00
Recap of Day 1
09:15
Global Palliative Care Roundtable
Community Involvement in Palliative Care — Strengthening Psychosocial Support Beyond the Hospital
11:15
Tea Break
11:30
Plenary 2: Community Structures as Partners in Psychosocial Palliative Care
Community health workers · Social workers · Psychologists · Family caregivers · Patient advocates
12:15
Experience Sharing & Open Discussion
Cultural beliefs, stigma & myths · Community-based models · Patient dignity and social inclusion
13:00
Lunch Break
13:30
Scientific Session 2 — Abstract Presentations
15:00
Annual General Meeting (AGM)
HPCAN Members
17:30
Closing
—
Departure Day
Safe travels to all delegates — Thank you for attending the 18th HPCAN Scientific Conference & AGM, Abuja 2026
12:00
Welcome & Opening Remarks
HPCAN President — Objectives and flow of the Pre-Conference
12:10
Keynote Webinar: Palliative Care in Nigeria Today
Overview of current Palliative Care Services in Nigeria — Challenges and Opportunities
13:00
Live Q&A
Participants submit questions via chat
13:10
Break / Refresh
13:20
Workshop 1: Psychosocial Support in Palliative Care
Emotional and psychological needs of patients and families · Live case scenarios
14:00
Breakout Group Discussions
Small group sessions in breakout rooms
14:20
Interactive Skills Lab: Total Psychosocial Well-Being Assessment
Demonstration of assessment tools
14:50
Reflection & Closing Remarks
Summary · Links to main conference themes · Login instructions for main conference
Conference DetailsHybrid event —
Hybrid event —
in Abuja & online.
Venue
ICN School Auditorium
University of Abuja Teaching Hospital,
Gwagwalada, Abuja FCT
Dates
30 Jun - 3 Jul 2026
Time
8:00 am daily
Bank Payment Details
BeneficiaryHospice and Pal. Care Ass.
ChapterNigeria — Abuja
BankZenith Bank Plc
Account No.1311780661
Send evidence of payment to +234 703 770 0348 or e-mail abiolaadejumo21@gmail.com
Conference Enquiries
+234 803 425 7994
+234 806 122 7316
+234 803 328 3915
Get Your TicketReserve your place
Reserve your place
at HPCAN 2026.
Students attend at 50% of the professional rate with valid ID. Registration closes 12 June 2026.
Early Bird PricingRates below are valid through 5 June 2026. After that, late registration fees apply.
Onsite · Physical
₦30,000/ delegate
Late₦35,000after 5 Jun
- Full 4-day in-person access
- Printed conference materials
- Lunch & refreshments
- Certificate of participation
Online · Virtual
₦35,000/ delegate
Late₦40,000after 5 Jun
- Live stream of all sessions
- Digital conference materials
- 30-day on-demand replay
- E-certificate of participation
Onsite · Physical
₦15,000/ student
Late₦17,500after 5 Jun
- Full 4-day in-person access
- Printed conference materials
- Lunch & refreshments
- Certificate of participation
- Valid student ID required
Online · Virtual
₦17,500/ student
Late₦20,000after 5 Jun
- Live stream of all sessions
- Digital conference materials
- 30-day on-demand replay
- E-certificate of participation
- Valid student ID required
The 18th HPCAN Scientific Conference & AGM runs from Tuesday 30 June through Friday 3 July 2026 at the ICN School Auditorium, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada Abuja FCT. Sessions start at 8:00 am daily and also stream live for virtual delegates.
Physicians, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, chaplains, public health practitioners, hospice administrators, allied caregivers, policy makers, and students of the health professions — anyone whose work touches the wellbeing of seriously ill patients and their families.
Physical delegates join us in Gwagwalada for the full programme including workshops, networking lunches and the conference dinner. Online delegates receive a live stream of every plenary and panel, downloadable digital materials, and 30-day on-demand access to recorded sessions.
Once your payment is confirmed through Paystack, the system automatically generates your unique HPCAN entry code and sends it to your registered email address within minutes.
Yes. The conference is accredited for continuing professional development by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Credit hours appear on your certificate of participation.
Students pay 50% of the professional rate. Upload a valid school ID during registration; once verified you receive the discounted invoice. Please bring the same ID for venue check-in or keep a digital copy for the virtual sign-in portal.
Yes, until 12 June 2026 — the registration close date. Email the secretariat with your booking reference; we will issue a payment link for the difference and update your ticket. After this date we cannot guarantee venue capacity.
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