The Ghana Palliative Care Association (GPCA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH), has officially launched “October for Palliative Care Excellence in Ghana, 2025,” a national initiative aimed at raising awareness and strengthening palliative care services across the country.
The program is dedicated to improving the quality of life for patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families by promoting compassionate care, advocacy, and professional excellence.
The launch, which coincides with the global observance of World Hospice and Palliative Care Day in October, brought together healthcare leaders, policymakers, civil society organizations, and patient advocacy groups.
Stakeholders emphasized the importance of palliative care as a human right and called for greater investment in health systems to ensure that all Ghanaians, regardless of income or location, can access appropriate care.
According to organizers, October for Palliative Care Excellence will serve as both an advocacy platform and a call to action.
Activities throughout the month will include community outreach, public education campaigns, professional training sessions, and stakeholder engagements to address gaps in service delivery.
Speaking at the launch, health officials highlighted the need for integrating palliative care into mainstream healthcare.
They noted that many patients facing cancer, chronic diseases, and other serious conditions continue to struggle without adequate support.
Strengthening palliative care, they argued, will not only reduce unnecessary suffering but also complement Ghana’s broader health goals.
Civil society partners and patient advocates also underscored the urgency of breaking the stigma surrounding end-of-life care.
They stressed that palliative care is not limited to the dying but is a holistic approach that focuses on dignity, comfort, and emotional support for both patients and families.
The October for Palliative Care Excellence initiative is expected to foster greater collaboration among government institutions, healthcare professionals, and international partners.