The global need for palliative care (PC) has seen a significant increase of 74% over the last three decades, reaching 73.5 million people in 2021, as reported in a recent study published in The Lancet Global Health. The study revealed that low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) account for 80% of individuals requiring PC, with the need growing by 83% in these regions compared to 46% in high-income countries (HICs). This rise in demand is not solely attributed to population growth but also to the increase in diseases and conditions necessitating PC.
Despite the escalating need for PC worldwide, access to such care remains inadequate, with the study emphasizing it as a neglected area in healthcare. The Lancet Commission on Global Access to Palliative Care and Pain Relief (LCPCPR) previously highlighted the prevalence of serious health-related suffering (SHS), defined as health-related pain and diminished quality of life that necessitates professional intervention. The current study builds upon the LCPCPR report, utilizing updated methodologies and data spanning from 1990 to 2021 to provide a more precise estimation of the global need for PC due to SHS.
While the requirement for PC due to infectious diseases has declined in LMICs, global figures have remained consistent and even surged following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic between 2019 and 2021. Conversely, the need for PC stemming from non-communicable diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and dementia has notably increased, particularly in HICs.
The study authors underscore the critical need to alleviate the burden of individuals experiencing conditions necessitating PC through enhanced prevention and treatment strategies. They emphasize the importance of ensuring comprehensive, universal access to PC, particularly in LMICs where access remains limited.
For those seeking more detailed information, the study titled “The evolution of serious health-related suffering from 1990 to 2021: an update to The Lancet Commission on global access to palliative care and pain relief” by Felicia M Knaul et al. can be accessed in The Lancet Global Health (2025) with DOI: 10.1016/S2214-109X(24)00476-5.
In conclusion, the findings of this study highlight the urgency of addressing the escalating global demand for palliative care and emphasize the necessity of improving access to comprehensive care for those suffering from serious health-related conditions. This information is crucial in guiding healthcare policies and interventions aimed at meeting the growing need for palliative care worldwide.
