Pain, particularly chronic pain, is a major threat to the quality of life worldwide, and will become more so as the average age increases. In developing parts of the world the major epidemic of ‘killer diseases’ produce enormous amounts of pain for which there is little or no relief available. This is especially true for patients with HIV/AIDS and cancer, but also for the millions of people suffering injuries from road accidents, childbirth, acts of war and even after surgery.

The control of pain has been a relatively neglected area of governmental concern in the past, despite the fact that cost-effective methods of pain control are available. The time is now right to raise the profile of pain, to promote the recognition that the consequences of chronic pain is a disease entity in its own right and an important health concern, but above all, to raise global awareness to a fundamental truth – the relief of pain should be a human right.

On Monday 11th October 2004, the Global Day Against Pain will again be taking place. Representatives from IASP and EFIC will meet in Geneva to present a programme aimed at raising the profile of pain worldwide. The experts will be gathering for a day’s conference, which will include a European press conference and then a live worldwide web-cast press conference and follow-up debates where issues and topics pertinent to people across the world with any interest or responsibilities for pain will be discussed in depth. Both events will be chaired by leading journalist Dr Geoff Watts, well-known for his BBC science radio work.