Author: Nahla Gafer
Cairo, 31 March 2026 – Thirty-three multidisciplinary health professionals from 18 countries in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) have successfully completed a blended online course in Paediatric Palliative Care (PPC). The initiative, organized by the WHO EMR Office in partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the African Palliative Care Association (APCA), and the International Children’s Palliative Care Network (ICPCN), aimed to address critical gaps in PPC service provision across the region.
The course paired 16 experienced lecturers from the region and beyond, each delivering a two-hour session. Participants completed weekly quizzes, assignments, and a practical component: the holistic assessment of a patient at their workplace using a refined clerking sheet. The curriculum focused on the ethos and principles of palliative care, with practical tools designed to translate theory into direct clinical practice.
One immediate outcome was reported by a physician from Saudi Arabia, who stated: “I gained the confidence to establish a new paediatric palliative care service. Starting in January 2026, I successfully implemented PPC for all oncology patients in my area. A substantial number of patients have since received these services, leading to marked improvements in their quality of life and high levels of family appreciation.”
Other graduates echoed this impact. Wajiba (Pakistan) noted increased confidence to translate knowledge into real-world practice. Khalid (Jordan) learned that intensive care must balance life-saving measures with comfort and dignity. Mohamed (Kuwait) enhanced his ability to control symptoms alongside curative treatment while strengthening skills in breaking bad news and addressing holistic needs.
These achievements are particularly significant given the regional context. According to the Atlas of Palliative Care Developments in the Eastern Mediterranean Countries 2025, PPC in the EMR remains at an early and uneven stage, with no country achieving systematic nationwide availability of specialized services. Paediatric opioid formulations are rarely available, home-based PPC is almost non-existent, and training for physicians and nurses remains minimal in most countries. A 2026 Lancet Child & Adolescent Health review (Maser et al.) further highlights that children in low- and middle-income countries face multiple barriers to accessing controlled medicines, including neglect in health policies, lack of child-specific formulations, and gaps in paediatric knowledge.
Lecturers noted that candidates were highly interactive, presented thoughtful answers, and performed well in oral assessments. A two-month mentorship period will now support graduates with online case consultations and discussions, a crucial step in establishing sustainable palliative care services across the region.
Acknowledgement
We extend our sincere gratitude to all trainers and the WHO EMR Office for this fruitful endeavour, which we hope will bring positive change to the lives of children with serious health-related suffering.
well done Dr. Nahla for the clear and interesting protect… How can I join please?
C’est avec une profonde gratitude que je tiens à remercier toutes les personnes et organisations qui ont rendu possible ma participation à cette formation enrichissante en soins palliatifs pédiatriques dans la région EMR.
Mes sincères remerciements vont aux organisateurs, aux formateurs de grande qualité, ainsi qu’à toutes les institutions partenaires pour leur engagement en faveur du développement des soins palliatifs pédiatriques. Cette expérience a été marquée par des échanges riches, une approche multidisciplinaire inspirante et des enseignements directement applicables à notre pratique clinique.
Thanks for giving us the chance to be part of this valuable course. Hope to join more of this advanced literature.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be part of this course.
It has made me much confident with dealing with palliative care patients.
Since I’ve been working at a tertiary care hospital, we always preferred active care patients. However, this course has allowed us to be more confident with pediatric palliative care patients.
Regards.
Thank you for everyone participated I think this course will improves the palliative care patients in the region
For those who want to join as participants or trainers. Please send an email to me in July of each year!
Please contact me to join as participants or trainers.