World Hospice and Palliative Care Day (WHPCD) is a “unified day of action to celebrate and support hospice and palliative care around the world.”

Palliative care, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), “starts from the time a life-threatening illness is diagnosed and should be offered alongside treatment... it has become invaluable for patients and their families who are in need of physical, psychosocial, and spiritual support.” It is grounded on the premise that every human being is entitled to adequate care and that no one should suffer unnecessarily.

Among the aims of the celebration are to increase the availability of hospice and palliative care worldwide; raise awareness and understanding of the medical, social, practical and spiritual needs of people living with a life-limiting illness and their families; and raise funds to support and develop hospice and palliative care services around the globe. Every year, approximately 70 countries take part in the celebration with activities such as public awareness-raising campaigns, advocacy with policy makers, seminars on sharing of best practices and upgrading of skills, fund-raising events, and public launches.

This year’s theme, “Sharing the Care,” highlights the critical role of individuals in the family and community, as well as health professionals and government and private organizations, international non-governmental organizations, and hospices. WHPCD is organized by a committee of the World Palliative Care Alliance, a network of hospice and palliative care national and regional organizations, and organizations such as Help the Hospices, the national charity for hospices of the United Kingdom.

WHO has recommended that all countries develop comprehensive palliative care policies and programs with a public health approach, integrated into their existing health system and tailored to the needs and prevailing cultural attitudes and practices, that would include symptom management and psychosocial and spiritual support for patients and their caregivers.