Portugal: 90% of children with chronic illness lack palliative care

Approximately 90% of the 8,000 children and adolescents in Portugal living with advanced chronic, progressive, or incurable diseases lack access to palliative care. This finding was released by the Portuguese Association of Palliative Care (APCP) to mark World Pediatric Palliative Care Day.

Pediatrician Cândida Cancelinha, vice-president of the APCP, noted that while there are more trained professionals, existing teams remain severely under-resourced. Significant regional disparities exist, with better coverage in some areas compared to the interior of mainland Portugal and the Alentejo and Algarve regions.

To address these gaps, the APCP is presenting the ‘Carta de Belém’ (Belém Charter), which outlines five priorities. These include guaranteeing access regardless of residence, ensuring specialized teams have dedicated time and trained staff, and increasing home-based support.