Reducing inequity in the provision of children’s palliative care in low- and middle- income countries: A focus on education and research

Abstract

There are over 21 million children and their families globally who need palliative care,1 yet estimates suggest that less than 10% can access it. The greatest need for palliative care in children is in low- and middle-income countries, where 98% of the demand for palliative care in children exists, and access to services is limited. Indeed, in low-income countries there is a projected 5% increase in serious health-related suffering in children aged 5–14 years by 2060, despite a projected decrease globally in serious health-related suffering in children.