In September 2024, paediatric oncology pharmacist Shauna Arao from the Uganda Cancer Institute visited Cambridge to spend time with fellow oncology and pharmacy colleagues.
Shauna is involved in the Paediatric Cancer Partnership, the goal of which is to care for children with cancer and support the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) objective of achieving at least 60% survival for all children with cancer by 2030. To meet this goal, the partnership is supporting pathology and diagnostic pathways, improving the safety of prescription and administration of chemotherapy, and strengthening aspects of patient education, care and support.
The visit was an opportunity for Shauna to build specialist knowledge in paediatric oncology pharmacy, a niche field in Uganda that she describes as not yet widely taught or recognised in the country’s pharmaceutical education.
“Pharmacists working in paediatric oncology are rare, especially in Uganda, where training in this specialty is limited,” explains Shauna. “The exchange gave me the chance to immerse myself in a critical but underrepresented field, allowing me to expand my understanding of pharmacy practices that could significantly benefit our healthcare system.”
From developing new problem-solving strategies to enhancing my leadership and communication skills, each aspect of the exchange has strengthened my capacity to serve as a compassionate and skilled pharmacist. My motivation has been revitalised, and my understanding of global health has deepened, preparing me to make a greater impact in my community.
During the week-long visit to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Shauna was able to shadow an experienced pediatric oncology pharmacist. Day-to-day she participated in tumor board meetings, conducted medication reconciliations, joined ward rounds, and verified doses and treatments. “These experiences greatly expanded my understanding of paediatric oncology pharmacy practices and underscored the potential benefits of implementing similar approaches within Ugandan healthcare,” says Shauna.
“The resources made available through the visit, including books and protocol manuals, were incredibly valuable. Together with the hands-on experience, these materials significantly boosted my confidence in pediatric oncology pharmacy.”
Reflecting on the visit, Shauna says she has returned to Uganda with renewed determination and a clearer vision of her role as a pharmacist. “On a personal level, the experience was empowering; I felt more courageous and secure in my skills. Professionally, I now approach clinical situations with greater decisiveness and feel better prepared to mentor my colleagues,” she adds.
Shauna thinks that the learning she gained is already having an impact back home. “With the new resources at my disposal, I’m able to streamline treatment protocols and make more informed decisions that benefit both my colleagues and our patients,” she says. “Additionally, my work in paediatric oncology pharmacy has paved the way for advocating that pharmacists play a role in high-level decision-making bodies, such as our hospital’s Medicines and Therapeutics Committee.
The visit and the partnership more broadly has inspired Shauna to advocate for a stronger focus on paediatric pharmacy and oncology in Africa.
“From developing new problem-solving strategies to enhancing my leadership and communication skills, each aspect of the exchange has strengthened my capacity to serve as a compassionate and skilled pharmacist. My motivation has been revitalised, and my understanding of global health has deepened, preparing me to make a greater impact in my community,” she says.
To find out more about the partnership visit Paediatric Cancer – Cambridge Global Health Partnerships
Interested in participating in global health but not sure where to begin? Find out about the support, advice and funding CGHP offers you or email us at info@cghp.org.uk.
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