Author: Gilbert Kipkemboi, Clinical Officer, Higher National Diploma in Palliative and Hospice Care at MTRH College of Medicine, PallCHASE Intern
Humanitarian crises, caused by natural disasters, conflicts, or pandemics, often focus on saving lives. While essential, these efforts can overlook the physical and emotional suffering of many critically ill or injured individuals. In such situations, integrating palliative care—care focused on alleviating suffering and improving quality of life—becomes crucial.
Krakauer, Daubman, and Aloudat (2019) highlight the importance of incorporating palliative care and symptom relief into humanitarian responses to address the full spectrum of needs in affected populations. In crises, some individuals may face life-limiting conditions or severe pain that curative treatments cannot relieve. Palliative care provides symptom management and psychological support, easing suffering and restoring dignity, even in the most resource-limited environments.
The authors argue that humanitarian responses often fail to address the needs of those who cannot be saved. As a result, many suffer unnecessarily from pain and distress. By including palliative care in disaster preparedness plans, healthcare workers can be trained to offer symptom relief, and necessary medications can be made available. This ensures that the most vulnerable receive care that addresses not only physical symptoms but also emotional and psychological needs.
Ethically, providing palliative care in crises is essential. All individuals, regardless of their prognosis, deserve to have their suffering acknowledged and alleviated. Focusing solely on curative measures risks neglecting the dignity of those nearing the end of life or too severely ill to recover. Incorporating palliative care is not about shifting resources away from life-saving measures but ensuring compassionate care for all.
Palliative care also supports families and caregivers who are often emotionally burdened during crises. Offering counseling, guidance, and respite care can help families cope with the trauma they face, strengthening community resilience.
In conclusion, Krakauer and colleagues make a strong case for integrating palliative care into humanitarian responses. Doing so ensures that all affected individuals, including those who cannot be saved, receive comprehensive, compassionate care. In a world facing ongoing crises, the inclusion of palliative care in disaster response strategies is vital for ethical and humane care.
Krakauer, E. L., Daubman, B. R., & Aloudat, T. (2019). Integrating palliative care and symptom relief into responses to humanitarian crises. The Medical journal of Australia, 211(5), 201–203.e1. https://doi.org/10.5694/mja2.50295
