Global Aspects of Palliative Care

In this chapter, we look at the growth of modern palliative care globally from its humble beginnings to finally becoming part of mainstream health care; major developments and milestones in global development, including involvement of the World Health Organization (WHO), the HIV/AIDS Pandemic, the rise of noncommunicable diseases, the millennium goals, and now the sustainable development goals; and the World Health Assembly resolution on palliative care and other important international agreements. We explore the status of palliative care globally and look at future directions and challenges for palliative care to reach its goal of full access to those in need.