KUCHING: Two landmark initiatives aimed at advancing palliative care across the Asia-Pacific region and Sarawak were officially launched today at the 16th Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Conference (APHC 2025), held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).
The dual launches took centre stage at the opening ceremony of the event, which was officiated by the Housing, Public Health and Local Government Deputy Minister, Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee, on behalf of Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
The first launch was for the Sarawak Task Force Palliative Care Committee, headed by Sarawak State Health Director, Dr Veronica Lugah.
The state-level task force is designed to enhance, coordinate and evaluate palliative care services across Sarawak by providing strategic direction, facilitating collaboration among stakeholders, and advocating for policies to improve equitable access to care, particularly in underserved rural and remote areas.
Also launched was the Atlas of Palliative Care in Asia-Pacific, presented by Prof. Carlos Centeno, principal investigator of the ATLANTES Global Observatory of Palliative Care.
Developed in partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Network (APHN), the atlas is a landmark publication that maps palliative care systems, service availability, and policy gaps throughout the region.
It is expected to become a vital reference for policymakers and care providers alike.
Held under the theme ‘Embracing Diversity, Empowering Communities’, APHC 2025 brings together more than 1,200 delegates from over 30 countries.
Organised by the Asia-Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Network and Palliative Care Sarawak, the conference runs from April 23 to 26.
It features a robust programme, including pre-conference workshops, plenary sessions, concurrent discussions, poster presentations, and a cultural gala dinner.
