New Global Analysis Reveals Growing Need for Pediatric Palliative Care
A new global analysis in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health finds that 10.6 million children aged 0–19 experienced serious health-related suffering (SHS) in 2023, with 96% living in low and middle-income countries where access to pediatric palliative care is often limited or unavailable. While the overall number of affected children has remained relatively stable since 1990, the nature of need has shifted. Today, the majority are living with chronic or progressive conditions including endocrine and immune disorders, complications from premature birth, and injuries. The findings highlight an urgent need for health systems, especially in resource-limited settings, to expand pediatric palliative care services, funding, and access to essential medicines to address the growing burden among children living with serious illness.