65th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND)

The Caribbean Palliative Care Association (CARIPALCA) and co-founder of JACCRI, in conjunction with the International Association for Hospice and Palliative Care (IAHPC), will present a side event on Friday, March 18, at 1:15-2 pm, titled, “Disparities in access to internationally controlled essential medicines in the Caribbean,” at the 65th Session on the Commission for Narcotic Drugs.  A high percentage of the cancers diagnosed within the Caribbean population are advanced and incurable, and access to much needed cancer services such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy is often very challenging. The resources needed to provide timely access to cancer care across the continuum of care, especially access to palliative care and pain relief, are generally limited in the Caribbean.