Rising health challenges fuel global demand for palliative care.
A new study shows that demand for palliative care has increased by 74% in the past 30 years, with 73.5 million people needing it globally by 2021. This surge is largely driven by longer life expectancies and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and dementia. However, access to palliative care remains limited, particularly in low-income countries, where the need has grown by 83%.
Palliative care, which focuses on easing pain and improving the quality of life for those with serious, often incurable conditions, is essential for managing health-related suffering. Despite its importance, many people still lack access to this vital service. The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the shortage of specialized palliative care professionals and insufficient medical training as major barriers to care.
Experts are calling for a shift in healthcare systems to incorporate palliative care earlier in the patient’s life, rather than only at the end of life. They stress that increasing awareness and resources for palliative care is crucial to meet the growing demand and alleviate suffering.
As life expectancy rises and health conditions become more complex, improving access to palliative care has become a critical priority for healthcare systems worldwide.