Key events and activities
World Hospice and Palliative Care Day took place on October 11 2008 and the theme was "Hospice and palliative care: a human right."
Over 211 organisations marked the day and activities took place in approximately 67 countries around the world. Have a look at the list of events for 2008.
Many organisations and individuals utilised the theme of 'Hospice and palliative care: a human right" producing merchanise including t-shirts and banners and engaging in advocacy and public awareness raising activities.
Events were extremely varied and included a course for health professionals to introduce palliative care in Bolivia, a fundraising concert attended by the Prime Minister in Liechtenstein and a national campaign for raising awareness of hospice and palliative care with children in Hungary.
Messages of support
Gabriel Bryne, the actor who has starred in numerous hollywood films including "The Usual Suspects" offered his support to the Day.
Paul Hunt, the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to the highest attainable standard of mental and physical health called on the UN Human Rights Council to support the Day and recognise the human right to hospice and palliative care.
Read these messages, as well as those of other public figures.
Press coverage
Press coverage was achieved nationally and locally throuhout the world including televised events in Mongolia and articles in national newspapers in Liechtenstein.
A press trip took place to South Africa with two journalists from the UK and the Republic of Ireland. The press trip generated media coverage including a 5 page piece in the Irish Sunday Business Post.
Human Rights Watch issued a press release to call for governments to improve access to pain treatment.
Photos
To view photographs of previous World Hospice and Palliative Care Day and Voices for Hospices, visit the official photo library.
To add your photos, email info@hospiceinnovation.dk.
Evaluation
Download the evaluation for World Hospice and Palliative Care Day 2008.
Thanks to the Open Society Institute for their support of World Hospice and Palliative Care Day.
