The global challenge

According to the World Health Organization, 83% of people in low- and middle-income countries have little or no access to essential pain relief. For palliative care, the situation is even more pressing. Behind these numbers are millions of individuals who face the final stage of life without the care and comfort they urgently need.

In his video message, Professor Roman Rolke, Director of the Department of Palliative Medicine at University Hospital Aachen, paints a vivid picture of the status quo. He calls for palliative care to become a universal standard – available to everyone, everywhere.

A personal perspective

Beyond statistics and systems, Professor Rolke shares what he has often heard from his patients when reflecting on their lives. Inspired by author Bronnie Ware, he formulates five wishes for life.

These reflections are not just lessons for the last days, they are guidance for all of us. Staying connected with friends, expressing our feelings, pursuing our true goals: these are choices we can make every day. By embracing them when life is good, we can reach the end of our lives with a greater sense of peace and fulfilment.

Grünenthal’s long-standing engagement

At Grünenthal, we believe that dignity at life’s end should never be a privilege but a universal right. As part of our corporate citizenship activities, we have supported hospice and palliative care for many years. Through the Grünenthal Foundation for Palliative Medicine, we contributed to the establishment of Germany’s first university chair in palliative medicine and continue to promote research, training and initiatives that strengthen care at the end of life.