es.euronews.com
Global Palliative Care Needs Surge 74% in Three Decades
A new study reveals a 74% rise in global palliative care needs over the past three decades, reaching 73.5 million in 2021, with most cases concentrated in low-income countries due to chronic illnesses while high-income nations see increases driven by cancer, heart disease, and dementia.
- What is the global magnitude of the unmet need for palliative care, and what are its primary causes?
- The global need for palliative care has surged by 74% in three decades, reaching 73.5 million in 2021. This increase is largely driven by chronic diseases like cancer, heart conditions, and dementia, particularly in high-income countries. Four out of five individuals requiring palliative care reside in low-income nations.
- How has the nature of diseases requiring palliative care changed over time, and what are the regional variations in this trend?
- The shift in palliative care needs reflects evolving health patterns. Infectious diseases, once a major driver, have decreased, while chronic illnesses have become increasingly prevalent. This disparity highlights the growing need for accessible and affordable palliative care across all income levels.
- What systemic changes are needed to bridge the gap in access to palliative care, particularly focusing on equitable distribution and affordability?
- Future challenges include addressing the significant gap in palliative care access, especially in low-income countries. Expanding healthcare infrastructure, training medical professionals, and ensuring equitable access to pain relief are crucial steps. Continued research into effective and culturally sensitive care models will be essential to meet the rising global demand.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the issue of access to palliative care as a significant global health inequity. The headline and introduction emphasize the growing gap between the need for and access to palliative care, setting a tone of urgency and concern. While the article presents data from different regions, the focus remains on the unmet need.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses primarily on the lack of access to palliative care and the increasing global demand, but it omits discussion on the cost of palliative care and the economic burden it places on individuals, families, and healthcare systems. It also doesn't explore the different models of palliative care delivery and their relative effectiveness or the role of technology in expanding access.
Gender Bias
The article notes that in low-income countries, most patients needing palliative care are women aged 20-49, while in high-income countries, most are women 70+. While this observation is factual, it doesn't delve into the underlying reasons for this disparity or examine potential gender biases in access to care. More analysis would be needed to determine if this constitutes gender bias.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights a significant gap in access to palliative care globally, affecting millions who suffer from severe health-related suffering. This directly impacts the SDG target of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages, as many lack access to pain relief and quality of life improvements offered by palliative care. The increasing demand for palliative care, especially in low-income countries, further underscores the unmet need and the negative impact on this SDG.