Children's palliative care in low- and middle-income countries

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Pediatric Palliative Care
• Health Equity

Background:

• One-third of the global population is under 20 years old.
• Children with life-limiting conditions require specialized palliative care services.
• The majority of children's palliative care (CPC) is provided in high-income countries, despite 80% of global need residing in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current status of children's palliative care (CPC) services in LMICs.
• To identify and highlight examples of best practice in CPC service models.
• To assess the extant research landscape in the field of CPC within LMICs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of CPC services and research in LMICs.
• Case study analysis of best practice models in Malawi, Indonesia, and Belarus.
• Synthesis of findings on education, clinical practice, funding, and research.

Main Results:

• CPC services are underdeveloped in most LMICs compared to high-income countries.
• Examples of innovative and effective CPC service models exist in Malawi, Indonesia, and Belarus.
• Significant gaps remain in research, education, clinical practice, and funding for CPC in LMICs.

Conclusions:

• While adult palliative care has advanced, CPC in LMICs faces substantial challenges.
• Further investment in education, clinical practice, funding, and research is critical to meet the global need for CPC.
• Addressing disparities in CPC provision is essential for global health equity.