title: Twenty-first century palliative care: a tale of four nations.
abstract: Hospice and palliative care development, in terms of availability and services, occur to varying degrees in the developing world. In this paper, the evolution of palliative care practices in four developing nations (Nigeria, Georgia, Ethiopia and Tanzania) is described. By highlighting common problems as well as the unique individual perspectives of each country's practice, this paper aims at increasing global awareness of palliative care in the developing world. While the call for palliative care to become a fundamental human right is sustained, it is also hoped that this article will stimulate a global discussion on the best possible way to encourage the establishment and growth of palliative care services in other developing countries where hitherto it has not been in existence, with policymakers and healthcare professionals taking the lead through the institution of sound national policies to promote and provide palliative care to all citizenry.
authors: Pain & Palliative Care Unit, Multidisciplinary Oncology Centre, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu, Nigeria. doctortoniaonyeka@gmail.com
authors: T C
authors: TC
authors: Onyeka
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Velijanashvili
authors: S G
authors: SG
authors: Abdissa
authors: F A
authors: FA
authors: Manase
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Kordzaia
mesh_terms: D003906:Developing Countries; D004501:Education, Medical / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000639:trends; D005002:Ethiopia; D005544:Forecasting; D005846:Georgia (Republic); D006801:Humans; D009549:Nigeria; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000639:trends; D013636:Tanzania; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000639:trends
keywords: developing nations; palliative care; practice