Strengthening international networks to advance global palliative care

As palliative care has matured as a discipline, the impact of working with individuals at the end of life has become more visible. In turn, palliative care professionals have developed ways to share their respective experiences and a number of representative worldwide groups have emerged. These groups have become increasingly involved in advocacy and awareness- raising activities on behalf of the sector, using rights-based arguments and a public health framework to advocate for equitable access to palliative care. This article provides an overview of some of the work that has been undertaken by international groups. Although worldwide activities may differ in emphasis, there has been demonstrated benefit in coalescing the advocacy activities, in order to present a united global voice on issues