World Health Organization
Strengthening noncommunicable disease integration in all-hazards emergency preparedness and response
Briefs & Fact Sheets
12 May 2025
07 Aug 2018
"Why Palliative Care is an Essential Function of Primary Health Care" emphasizes that integrating palliative care into primary health care is crucial for achieving universal health coverage (UHC) and improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses. Palliative care addresses not only physical symptoms but also psychological, social, and spiritual suffering, making it an ethical responsibility of health systems. Strategies for integrating palliative care into primary health care, including policy development, training of healthcare providers, and ensuring access to essential medications are discussed.