As the Assembly considers the Global Strategy on human resources for health workforce 2030, please note that only 14% of the need for palliative care is being met worldwide. In low- and middle-income countries, where 80% of the need for palliative care exists, only about 4% of the need is met.

To close this gap, member states need to include training in palliative care for the millions of primary and specialist workers who increasingly are caring for people with serious illnesses. Palliative care training enhances the skills of health care workers and prevents the serious health-related suffering that often results in unplanned and unnecessary hospitalization and emergency care. We urge member states to invest in palliative care education and to support the Health4 Life Fund. We also endorse the Call to Lead on NCDs