Bangladesh

We are working with the International Children's Palliative Care Network to improve services for children with life-limiting conditions requiring palliative care in Bangladesh.

Programme Centre

Centre for Palliative Care, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh

Twinning Centre

Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Canada

Project Leads

Dr Megan Doherty & Dr Farzana Khan

Partner Organisation

International Children's Palliative Care Network (ICPCN)

Contact

Rizwana Hussain

Programme Coordinator

Start Date

January 2016

Impact
Background
Problems
Key Activities

Our project in Bangladesh focuses on improving the quality of life for children with life-limiting conditions, including children with cancer. An estimated 2 million children in Bangladesh need palliative care yet less than 1% of these children access it currently (ICPCN) as there are few children’s palliative care services and healthcare professionals trained in palliative care. Palliative care services are fundamental to improving quality of life, well-being, comfort and human dignity. The lack of access to palliative care means children are suffering needlessly and dying in pain.

To read about our previous work in Bangladesh click here

Few health care professionals trained in the provision of palliative care
Few children’s palliative care services
A lack of access to and funding for palliative care medicines
A lack of awareness of palliative care and a fear of the use of opioids
Widespread poverty and inequality

Training for healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses and administrators on the provision of children’s palliative care
Campaigns and awareness raising materials on palliative care for professionals and the public
Regular contact with ministers and policymakers and advocacy for integration of palliative care into National Health Policies
A consistent supply of palliative care medicines
Service provision through model centres for children’s palliative care to improve the quality of life for children and families and mentor newly developed services
Provision of community-led palliative care in an urban slum in Dhaka

Developed knowledge, skills and capacity of healthcare providers and parents to provide children’s palliative care
Increasing numbers of referrals to palliative care
Improved access to palliative care for children with life-limiting conditions
Improving public awareness of palliative care
Policy and guideline development
Implementation of children’s palliative care services
Improving the lives of children needing palliative care

Facts and Stats

2 Million

children in Bangladesh in need of palliative care
29,000

children in Bangladesh in need of specialised end-of-life care
Less than 1%

of children requiring palliative care in Bangladesh have access to it