First of all, we are sorry to see the suffering that our colleagues and friends in India are going through as its health system and pharmaceutical industry face challenges under the latest COVID assault. As many of you may know, India is the source of raw materials for many of the analgesics and essential medicines for pain relief and palliative care. COVID is disrupting the supply of morphine and other Indian-manufactured opiates required to control extreme pain and manage COVID-19 breathlessness for patients around the world. We hope that situation is resolved soon, with the support and collaboration of other countries that are faring much better.
On a positive note, last month we cohosted a palliative care dialogue with World Health Organization (WHO) Director General Dr. Tedros and representatives of civil society organizations.
This roundtable was organized by the IAHPC in collaboration with the Worldwide Hospice and Palliative Care Alliance and the International Federation on Ageing. All members of civil society organizations (CSOs) were invited.
Palliative care providers and people with palliative care needs addressed the following palliative care topics, which relate to the WHO 13th General Program of Work and its “Triple Billion Targets.”
“One billion more people benefiting from Universal Health Coverage.” A palliative care recipient spoke on how palliative care is an essential element of UHC. Two other speakers addressed monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and supply chain strengthening for essential palliative care medicines.
“One billion more people protected from preventable suffering during emergencies.” A palliative care provider working with refugees addressed efforts to integrate palliative care into emergency responses, including those during COVID-19.
“One billion more people enjoying better health and well-being.” A representative of the Compassionate Communities movement addressed responses to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the palliative care needs of older persons, including bereavement and complicated grief, and a nurse discussed how palliative care nursing can support resilience of patients, families, communities, and providers.
Dr. Tedros (lower left) and speakers at the palliative care roundtable on April 28.
Speakers included Ms. Victoria Diehl (Costa Rica), Dr. Felicia Knaul (USA and Mexico), Dr. Farzana Khan (Bangladesh), Dr. Carlos Centeno (Spain), Dr. Silvia Librada Flores (Spain), and Ms. Zodwa Sithole (South Africa).
It was wonderful to have this second dialogue with Dr. Tedros, and it was inspiring to witness his understanding and willingness to collaborate. We will continue to work with our civil society partners to help and support the WHO with our expertise and guidance, an appropriate manifestation of our five-year plan to advance palliative care
We are grateful to the speakers for accepting our invitation to contribute to the roundtable, for offering their time and effort in this advocacy for equitable access to palliative care during these challenging times. Each presentation complemented the others, and the moderators drew the threads together very skillfully in their closing remarks!
And at the end of May we will participate in the virtual World Health Assembly (WHA), and our advocacy Focal Points will be our IAHPC delegates. Keep your eyes on upcoming newsletters for their statements and reports!
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How your gift supports the IAHPC mission
Achieved: $24,941
Goal: $30,000
83%
Education
Your gift funds the operational costs of our online courses taught by globally recognized experts who volunteer their time and provide educational resources relevant to palliative care topics. It also supports scholarships that enable palliative care workers to attend educational events and congresses, and allows us to maintain Pallipedia, the free, live, online dictionary.
The goal of this pillar is to implement strategies, resources and tools that will improve the competencies of the global workforce for appropriate palliative care delivery. We have two programs under this pillar plus many other resources for our members.
Your gift enables us to build and strengthen the partnerships that accelerate global, regional, and national advocacy for palliative care. We advocate for its integration into primary health care under universal health coverage and effective access to essential palliative care medicines and packages for people of all ages. Your gift supports our work to prepare delegates and participate in technical consultation meetings of the relevant UN organizations.
The goal this pillar is the integration of palliative care into primary health care within the spectrum of universal coverage to improve access to adequate care for patients in need. We offer the following to our members:
Documents on Human Rights and Access to Medicines and Care
Research
Your gift enables us to continue doing research that provides guidance and recommendations for action, based on responses from the global palliative care community. Such research includes our recent evaluation of the impact of euthanasia and assisted dying practices on palliative care workers and the use of essential medicines for palliative care. It also supports the costs of publications focused on research relevant to palliative care.
The goal of this pillar is to design and implement projects that lead to the integration of palliative care into health policies, resolutions, and key documents. Our studies help us provide guidance and recommendations, and take action based on the responses from the global palliative care community.
Your membership enables you to participate in IAHPC projects such as the:
Your gift enables us to continue our in-depth reporting and book reviews in Pallinews, as well as media campaigns that raise awareness about the need to increase access to care and support for patients and families.
We are a small organization that allocates over 80% of our budget to mission driven programs and to the maintenance of our free website. We need operational funding to continue the work.
Give a gift, get a gift
IAHPC members: When you gift a 2-year membership to a colleague in a low- or middle-income country, we extend your membership by 6 months.
Dr. Tedros (lower left) and speakers at the palliative care roundtable on April 28.