Call For Recognition Of Palliative Care And Pain Treatment As Human Rights

On Monday, August 4, a Joint Declaration and Statement of Commitment calling for the recognition of palliative care and pain management as human rights was presented at the XVII International AIDS Conference in Mexico City. The International Association for Hospice and Palliative Care and the Worldwide Palliative Care Alliance were among the signers, including representatives of regional organization from Africa, Latin America, Eastern and Western Europe, Asia, and North America.

The seven goals in the Declaration are:

1- Identify, develop and implement strategies for the recognition of palliative care and pain treatment as fundamental human rights.

2- Work with governments and policy makers to adopt the necessary changes in legislation to ensure appropriate care of patients with life-limiting conditions.

3- Work with policy makers and regulators to identify and eliminate regulatory and legal barriers that interfere with the rational use of controlled medications.

4- Advocate for improvements in access to and availability of opioid analgesics (pain relievers) and other medications required for the effective treatment of pain and other symptoms common in palliative care, including special formulations and appropriate medications for children.

5- Advocate for adequate resources to be made available to support the implementation of palliative care and pain treatment services and providers where needed.

6- Advocate for academic institutions, teaching hospital and universities to adopt the necessary practices and changes needed to ensure that palliative care and pain positions, resources, personnel, infrastructures, review boards and systems are created and sustained.

7- Encourage and enlist other international and national palliative care, pain treatment, related organisations, associations, federations and interested parties to join this global campaign for the recognition of palliative care and pain treatment as human rights.