Children and Palliative Care: Achieving the Promise of Universal Access
World Hospice & Palliative Care Day 2025 calls us to reflect on this year’s theme: ‘Achieving the Promise: Universal Access to Palliative Care.’ For children, this theme is not just an aspiration—it is a lifeline. Millions of children worldwide need palliative care, yet only a small fraction receive it. Our responsibility is to bridge this gap, to ensure that no child is left without relief, comfort, and dignity.
A Story of Access
Meera, a 6-year-old, suffered severe burns in a household accident. Her pain was unbearable, and her mother often cried watching her struggle each night. When our pediatric palliative care team assessed her, we initiated morphine for pain relief. The change was profound—Meera could finally rest peacefully. Her mother, with tears in her eyes, said, ‘After so many months, my child is able to sleep. You have given her comfort and given me strength.’ This is the power of access—ensuring that no child suffers needlessly when pain relief is possible.
A Story of Support
Nevin, a 9-year-old with a severe neurological condition, required frequent hospital visits. His family struggled financially and emotionally to keep up with his care. Through community-based palliative care, Nevin’s needs were met at home. His mother shared, ‘Now I know I am not alone. Even when I cannot change his illness, I can give him comfort.’ This is the promise of palliative care—bringing care to where families are, without barriers.
Pic: Painting by Ainu who lost her mother
Why It Matters
Universal access to palliative care means that every child, regardless of geography, income, or background, has the right to live without unnecessary suffering. It means pain relief is not a privilege, but a right. It means emotional and spiritual support are available to every family walking this difficult journey.
A Call to Action
As we mark World Hospice & Palliative Care Day 2025, let us commit to achieving this promise. Healing is not always about cure—it is about presence, about listening, about ensuring every child can smile despite illness. Together, we can move from promises… to practice, from barriers… to bridges, and from symptoms… to smiles.
About the Author:
Dr. Sangeetha Suresh
Pediatric Palliative Care in-charge, Pallium India
Dr. Sangeetha has restructured pediatric services and introduced innovative practices at Pallium India. She has organised workshops & community awareness sessions, led medical camps to raise awareness about pediatric care, and also established a parent support group, ensuring emotional & practical support for families.
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