In 2023, the Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Network (APHN) achieved significant milestones, showcasing unwavering commitment to advancing palliative care. Let’s take a look!
1) 1,344 Attendees Convene at the 15th APHC Conference
The 15th Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Conference (APHC) made a noteworthy comeback to in-person events after a four-year hiatus, reigniting collaboration and knowledge exchange in the field. Organised by the Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Network (APHN) and the Korean Society for Hospice & Palliative Care (KSHPC), the conference gathered 1344 participants from 27 global regions! Hosted in Incheon, Korea, at the Songdo Convensia, the four-day event featured diverse activities that engaged and enlightened attendees. Read more…
2) APHN Secures Inaugural Charity Transparency Award
On 21 November 2023, we received our first ever Charity Transparency Award (CTA) from the Charity Council. This significant recognition underscores APHN’s dedication to transparency and governance, serving as an inspiration for others in the charity sector to adopt and emulate these commendable practices. Read more…
3) Extended Reach to 10 Regions in 2023
In 2023, we embarked on a dynamic journey to expand our global reach, venturing into 10 diverse regions through a strategic approach.
The year witnessed impactful engagements in Laos, Manila, Sarawak, Timor Leste, India, Bhutan, Rotterdam, Kobe, Sydney, and Incheon. APHN’s commitment to fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange was evident as the organisation actively participated in overseas conferences, hosted symposiums, and conducted capacity-building trainings in these regions. This concerted effort not only broadened the network’s geographical footprint but also facilitated the sharing of expertise and best practices in hospice and palliative care across borders.
- Laos: Karunruk Palliative Care Center at Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, partnered with the Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Network (APHN) and the Department of Healthcare and Rehabilitation (DHR), Ministry of Health Lao PDR, to launch the “Developing Palliative Care Services in Lao PDR” project, marked by the successful inaugural event, the “First Lao national palliative care conference,” held on February 20-21, 2023. Read more…
- Manila: The three-day, EPEC Pediatrics Symposium in Manila, Philippines, featured a distinguished international faculty, engaging over 60 participants from 10 regions in interactive lectures, training programs, and transdisciplinary discussions on pediatric palliative care. Read more…
- Sarawak: The Lien Collaborative Palliative Care Workshop in Kuching, Sarawak, from April 10 to 14, 2023, marked a crucial step in palliative care development in the region, where services are predominantly available in urban areas. Recognising the dispersed communities in both urban and rural settings, this workshop addressed the pressing need to extend palliative care across all health systems for equitable access in Sarawak, the largest state in East Malaysia. Read more…
- Timor Leste: Following a scoping trip in November 2022, the Lien Collaborative team returned to Timor Leste in April 2023, conducting its inaugural four-day palliative care training session at Guido Valadares National Hospital (HNGV). A total of 29 individuals from eight organisations, including some from remote districts, attended the session, with participants traveling up to four hours to be part of the training. Read more…
- India: The 5th APHN Palliative Care Training Programme for Cancer Treatment Centers in India occurred from April 29 to May 1, 2023, with 46 participants from 14 institutions across India, many of which have initiated palliative care services, taking part in the refresher course.
- Bhutan: In May, the APHN Lien Collab team met with Bhutan’s Minister, Dasho Dechen Wangmo, and officials to discuss future plans for the Lien Collaborative for Palliative Care Training Program in Bhutan.
- Rotterdam: During the 18th World Congress of the European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC 2023), we organised an Open Meeting session, focusing on collaborative opportunities in research and education within the Asia Pacific region. Read more…
- Kobe: During the annual Japanese Society for Palliative Medicine (JSPM) AGM, we hosted a joint session titled “The past, present, and future of collaboration between APHN and JSPM: Toward the development of hospice palliative care and more equitable access” and also set up a booth. Read more…
- Sydney: During the 2023 Oceanic Palliative Care Conference, APHN’s Chair and Vice-Chair presented on collaborative opportunities in research and education in the Asia Pacific Region during a concurrent session. Read more…
- Incheon: We co-hosted the biennial Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Conference in Incheon, Korea from 4-7 October 2023. Read more…
4) Launching a New Psychosocial Care Online Course
In collaboration with Chunmiao Foundation, APHN initiated an 8-month online psychosocial program on October 12, 2023, aiming to address the critical demand for palliative care support in China by empowering 16 diverse professionals with essential skills and fostering the establishment of full-time social work positions, envisioning a lasting impact on the region’s psychosocial support landscape. Read more…
5) Diverse Perspectives: 15 Delegates from Across Asia Pacific Unite at Local Conference
Delegates from diverse Asia Pacific regions, sponsored through the Lien Collaborative for Palliative Care (Lien Collab) Programme, participated in the 8th Singapore Palliative Care Conference 2023, themed “Building Collaborative Communities,” engaging in a comprehensive program of keynote addresses, sessions, and networking opportunities to foster inclusivity and multidisciplinary collaboration in the advancement of palliative care. Read more…
6) Empowering Healthcare: 216 Professionals Trained in Lien Collab Programme
A total of 216 individuals benefited from the Lien Collaborative Palliative Care Training Program, which aimed to enhance palliative care capabilities across diverse regions. The program saw active participation in various locations:
| Region | No. of Participants |
|---|---|
| India | 46 |
| Laos | 59 |
| Philippines | 36 |
| Sarawak | 46 |
| Timor Leste | 29 |
7) Investing in Futures: 51 Scholarships and Bursaries Distributed
A total of 51 scholarships and bursaries were distributed to healthcare professionals from low-resource regions, enabling them to attend the Education in Palliative and End-of-Life Care (EPEC) Workshop symposium in Manila and the pre-conference workshop in Incheon, as well as participate in the 15th Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Conference in 2023. This initiative aimed to provide valuable educational opportunities for professionals from underserved regions, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange in the field of palliative care.
8) Global Insights: 8 Webinars Feature Expert Speakers from Around the World
APHN hosted its dynamic Quarterly Webinar Series featuring four sessions with expert speakers from around the world. Covering crucial topics such as compassion fatigue, repatriating terminally ill patients, universal access to palliative care, and serious illness conversations, the series provided valuable insights into diverse aspects of palliative care.
Additionally, the Palliative Care for Children: Learning & Fellowship Forum, a specialised segment, explored the unique experiences of healthcare providers in pediatric palliative care, integrating developmental disorders, and enhancing the quality of life for children with brain stem glioma.
Additionally, we introduced the first webinar of the APHN Primary Palliative Care Education Series, focusing on ‘Primary Palliative Care – Practices Across Different Regions.’ This diverse and comprehensive webinar series aimed to provide a platform for global collaboration and learning in the field of palliative care.
9) 4 MOUs Signed to Advance Training in Low-Resource Regions
In 2023, the Lien Collaborative for Palliative Care program achieved significant milestones by formalising collaborations through the signing of four Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs). These agreements were established with organisations and institutions in Laos, Sarawak, Timor Leste, and the Philippines. The primary objective behind these MOUs was to facilitate capacity building initiatives in the field of palliative care. Through these strategic partnerships, APHN aimed to enhance the knowledge, skills, and resources within each region, fostering sustainable growth and development in palliative care services. The collaborative nature of these agreements emphasised a shared commitment to advancing the quality of care for individuals facing advanced illnesses across diverse geographical contexts.
Amidst a landscape of challenges and opportunities, APHN’s initiatives encompassed diverse regions, addressing critical aspects of education, collaboration, and quality care. From strategic partnerships to innovative programs, APHN’s impactful endeavors have left an indelible mark on the broader palliative care landscape.
We eagerly anticipate an even brighter and more impactful year in 2024, committed to advancing palliative care globally and shaping a future where compassionate support reaches every corner of our diverse communities!