Nearly 90% of children and youth with advanced chronic illness lack access to palliative care

The Portuguese Association for Palliative Care (APCP) reports that approximately 90% of the estimated 8,000 children and adolescents in Portugal with severe, progressive, or incurable illnesses currently lack access to specialized palliative care. The association is launching the 'Carta de Belém' on Sunday, advocating for five priorities, including universal access regardless of location, increased staffing, better home-care support, and a dedicated national strategy with identified funding and accountability.