APHN Atlas of palliative care in the Asia Pacific Regions 2025

Palliative care (PC) is integral to universal health coverage (UHC) as it alleviates suffering and enhances the quality of life. However, its accessibility and integration into healthcare systems remain inconsistent globally. Evaluating PC development offers critical insights into health system capacities, especially in addressing serious health-related suffering. 

This first Palliative Care Atlas for the Asia-Pacific Regions was developed under the guidance of WHO’s Region al Offices for the Western Pacific and South-East Asia. ATLANTES WHO Collaborating Center and APHN led this project.

The Altas aims to establish indicators and methodologies for evaluating PC health policies, services, emphasising integration into health systems, including pediatric palliative care, professional training programs, access to opioids and essential medicines, research and community empowerment. The ultimate goal was to identify gaps, foster advocacy, and support the inclusion of PC within UHC frameworks and benefits packages.

The Atlas highlights the state of PC in the South-East Asia Region (SEARO) and the Western Pacific Region (WPRO), providing a detailed analysis of resources, policy gaps, and opportunities. Comparative data and infographics offer actionable insights, enabling benchmarking and advocacy for PC integration. The indicators align with global UHC objectives, enhancing the quality, equity, and transparency of PC. The Atlas illustrates the strides made and the persistent gaps, advancing the vision of equitable and accessible PC.

This first Asia Pacific Regions Atlas, WHO-SEARO and WPRO, establishes a baseline for regional PC monitoring, contributing to future enhancements in care delivery. Despite data limitations, the comprehensive evaluation highlights the immense potential  for progress. This collaborative endeavour demonstrates a commitment to reducing health inequities and achieving universal access to PC. 

The atlas findings highlight key priorities and opportunities to strengthen PC  across Asia and the Pacific regions, emphasising health policies, service provision, access to medicines, research, education, and community empowerment. Utilising WHO indicators to establish continuous monitoring mechanisms and involving more countries is critical for advancing PC development. Recommendations for successful implementation include creating national PC strategies, incorporating PC into UHC packages, and expanding service availability with a focus on home-based and primary healthcare programs. Ensuring access to essential PC medications, enhancing PC education in medical training, fostering research, promoting peer learning, and empowering communities to advocate for PC services are crucial steps toward progress.