2004-2005 Global Year Against Pain

"The Relief of Pain Should Be a Human Right"

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 October 11, 2004, IASP and EFIC launched the first Global Day Against Pain. Representatives met in Geneva, Switzerland, to present a program aimed at raising the profile of pain worldwide. The experts gathered for a day’s conference, which included 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 were discussed in depth. Both events were chaired by leading journalist Dr. Geoff Watts, well-known for his BBC science radio work.

Media Press Pack (PDF)

1. Global Day Programme
2. Contact details of speakers & panelists of the Global Day
3. Declaration: "The Relief of Pain should be a Human Right"
4. A Call for Action
5. Fact Sheet: "Unrelieved Pain is a Major Healthcare Problem"
6. Fact Sheet: "Pain in HIV/AIDS- A Major Global Healthcare Problem"
7. "Why Pain Control Matters in a World Full of Killer Diseases"
8. Declaration: "Pain as a Disease in its own Right"
9. The European Week Against Pain
10. IASP Chapter Presidents/ Secretariat Directory/ EFIC Councillors
11. IASP Council
12. EFIC Executive Board
13. Patient Testimonials
14. Patient Case Study