Palliative Care ECHO on Health System Strengthening: Advancing Global Collaboration and Integration

“There has been so much work from global leaders to build tools and frameworks for integrating palliative care into health systems. However, in my experience, there is often a large gap between these resources and the country and regional leaders who need them. This innovative program will help close the gap and connect leaders from around the world with the resources and expertise they need to achieve the 2014 World Health Assembly mandate to provide universal access to palliative care to all." Dr Mark Stoltenberg

The World Health Organization (WHO) Working Group on Palliative Care has introduced an innovative digital initiative utilizing Project ECHO to enhance global collaboration in palliative care. Officially launched on March 5, 2025, this program will facilitate knowledge exchange and promote best practices for the integration of palliative care into health systems worldwide.

Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) is a digital learning model that connects healthcare professionals globally. Using ECHO’s online learning management platform (iECHO.org), this program includes a series of monthly online sessions focused on developing training materials and evaluation tools and resources to strengthen health systems in palliative care. With the use of digital innovation, the program eliminates the need for travel to complete this important work.

The ECHO program will showcase national and regional initiatives where palliative care has been effectively implemented through country case examples. The program will explore challenges in policy formulation, workforce training, program sustainability, legal frameworks, and essential medicines. It aims to develop a global knowledge-sharing network focusing on assessment tools, health policy and financing, legal frameworks, education, and access to essential medicines and services.

The WHO Palliative Care ECHO is made possible through the support of the ECHO Institute (New Mexico), as a WHO Collaborating Centre, which is providing essential support in program coordination, technical expertise, and knowledge-sharing facilitation.

A dedicated team from the ECHO Institute supports the program’s implementation, including Clayton Richards, Chris Piromali, and Mark Stoltenberg.

The launch of the WHO Palliative Care ECHO marks a significant milestone in global health collaboration. By fostering digital knowledge exchange, capacity building, and palliative care integration, this initiative aims to transform palliative care accessibility and sustainability worldwide.