The medical community mourns the passing of Dr Anne Merriman, the visionary physician who transformed palliative care across Africa. Born in Liverpool in 1935, this remarkable medic dedicated her life to bringing comfort and dignity to those facing life-limiting illnesses.
A Pioneering Spirit
After qualifying as a doctor in 1959, Dr Merriman initially worked in geriatric medicine before finding her true calling in palliative care. Her groundbreaking work began in Singapore, where she established the island nation's first hospice service in 1985.
African Legacy
Dr Merriman's most significant contributions came in Africa, where she founded Hospice Africa Uganda in 1993. Overcoming immense challenges, she pioneered affordable pain relief solutions and trained countless healthcare workers in compassionate end-of-life care.
Key Achievements:
- Developed affordable oral liquid morphine for pain management
- Established Uganda's first palliative care training programme
- Advocated for palliative care to be recognised as a human right
- Helped shape national healthcare policies across Africa
A Lasting Impact
Dr Merriman's work earned her numerous accolades, including an MBE and the prestigious Hospice UK International Award. More importantly, her legacy lives on through the thousands of patients and families who experienced compassionate care in their final days.
Colleagues remember her as a tireless advocate who combined medical expertise with deep humanity. "She didn't just treat illness," one colleague noted, "she healed souls."
