Palliative care not luxury but a human right-WHO Rep

Speaking at the eighth International African Palliative Care and Allied Services Conference and Ministers of Health Session on Palliative Care on Tuesday, he explained that palliative care is the compassionate response to suffering caused by life-threatening illnesses such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. He added that it was the right investment to achieve national and global obligations.

“As we gather to shape the future of health in Africa and the world, we must recognise that the measure of a health system is not only in how it saves lives, but also in how it cares for those nearing the end of life. Palliative care is cost-effective, it is ethically imperative, and central to achieving health equity. Investing in palliative care is investing in human dignity, economic resilience, and sustainable development. Palliative care is a strong bridge connecting humanitarian response, climate resilience, migration equity, and peacebuilding. It is not just medical care, but a moral and strategic investment in Africa’s future,” he said.