“Palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients (adults and children) and their relatives when they face problems inherent to a life-threatening illness. They prevent and alleviate suffering through the early identification, evaluation and correct treatment of pain and other problems, be they physical, psychosocial or spiritual ”.

—World Health Organization.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that annually 40 million people globally need palliative care, of which approximately 78% live in low- and middle-income countries. The most shocking thing is to know that only 14% of the people who urgently need palliative measures receive them, leaving the remaining 86% abandoned to the pain and suffering caused by their disease.

“I urge all countries to respect and protect human rights related to health – in their legislation and in their health policies and programs. We must all work together to combat inequalities and discriminatory practices, so that everyone can enjoy the benefits of good health, whatever their age, sex, race, religion, health status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or immigration status”.

—Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General de la OMS.