Jawaher urges palliative care for kids

Founder of Friends of Cancer Patients tells Rome forum children’s care is a right, not luxury

Shaikha Jawaher Bint Mohammad Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and Founder and Royal Patron of the Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP) in the UAE, has called for promoting awareness of children’s palliative care.

Her remarks came during her address at Fourth Global Gathering Maruzza Congress on Paediatric Palliative Care in Rome recently where she participated as Guest of Honour.

The World Health Organisation defines palliative care as an approach that improves quality of life of patients and their families facing the problem associated with life-threatening illness through prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification, assessment and treatment of pain.

Shaikha Jawaher lobbied global support for development of palliative care services and sharing expertise, skills and knowledge between medical professionals and health experts to ensure the best quality of life for children with life-limiting diseases.

“In every sense of its medical, psychological and social importance, palliative care is no longer a luxury, but an inherent human right for every child suffering from incurable illnesses,” Shaikha Jawaher said.