Access to effective pain relief remains a significant challenge in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) which can have a debilitating impact on patients.

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The World Health Organisation estimated that 80% of the global population does not have access to treatments for moderate to severe pain. Chronic pain is also more common in LMIC -  (estimated at a third of the population) and patients often endure discomfort that robs them of their ability to earn an income, care for their children, or live a full life outside of their pain, simply because medications are not available. Chronic pain is closely linked to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, as well as mobility and sleep issues and reduced independence.

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IHP is playing a role in eradicating the disparity in pain management access by supplying essential pain medications through Essential Health Packs (EHPs) and larger medical shipments. These efforts ensure that vulnerable communities receive vital treatments, including pain relief, to support primary healthcare services.

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As we continue to tackle the growing need for pain management worldwide, here is a look at some of the key issues:

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1. Pain management is often not prioritised

Historically, global health initiatives have focused more on combating areas such as infectious and communicable diseases, leading to inadequate development of pain management strategies. This oversight is particularly detrimental in LMICs, where the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is rising, necessitating effective pain management solutions.

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2. There are educational gaps in healthcare management

Many healthcare providers in LMICs lack formal training in pain management, resulting in inadequate treatment practices. A survey across 49 LMICs revealed that 90% of doctors considered their undergraduate pain management training insufficient, and 80% had not received formal postgraduate training. This educational deficiency contributes to poor attitudes and practices regarding pain relief for patients. PMC

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3. There is a shortage of essential pain medications

Even basic pain relief options such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, and local anaesthetics can be scarce in many LMICs due to supply chain disruptions, cost barriers, and inconsistent government procurement policies. This means patients often endure unnecessary pain because simple medications are unavailable.

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4. There is a lack of data and reporting

Many LMICs do not have robust healthcare data collection systems. Global organisations often focus on measurable metrics like mortality rates rather than quality-of-life indicators like pain control. Without reliable statistics on pain prevalence, pain treatment availability, or untreated suffering, pain management does not get the attention it deserves.

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5. There are economic barriers to treatment

Medications, medical consultations, and even travel costs to reach a clinic can be prohibitively expensive. Without subsidised healthcare or insurance, pain relief - even when available - remains out of reach for the poorest populations.

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In the past year, IHP has supported over 166,000 patients with pain relief, such as in Ukraine, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Sudan where medications are having a life-changing impact on those in urgent need of treatment.

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One example is in Lebanon, where IHP partners with Anera to provide our Essential Health Packs that include a range of pain relievers, among other critical medicines, specifically targeting internally displaced persons and conflict-affected populations. Halifa, a 67-year-old Syrian woman, visited a clinic run by Anera after she was forced to relocate to Beirut amidst violence.

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Halifa had been experiencing tension headaches, which had become increasingly debilitating since the situation in Lebanon deteriorated. Due to worries about finances, she was concerned she could not afford the medication she needed.

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Anera doctors were able to diagnose Halifa and, with the support of an IHP shipment, prescribe appropriate pain relief medication free of charge, to relieve the extraordinary pain she was experiencing. Halifa is one of the thousands of patients in Lebanon who are supported with IHP-shipped medications.

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The medical centre in Beirut shared: “The donation of analgesics has been a lifeline for many of our patients. Providing these essential medications for free not only alleviates immediate pain for our patients but also helps them maintain their health in these challenging times.”

Thank you to everyone who continues to support our work in pain management and to actively reduce global health inequities worldwide.

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Find out more about our Essential Health Packs here

To donate towards this work, click here

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