The guide Palliative care: cancer control knowledge into action, WHO guide for effective programmes was launched in 2007 on the occasion of World Hospice and Palliative Care Day (October 6).

Cancer control: knowledge into action, WHO guide for effective programmes is a series of six modules that provides practical advice for programme managers and policy-makers on how to advocate, plan and implement effective cancer

control programmes, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

This Palliative care module focuses on cancer and does not specifically address other diseases, however, it recognizes the need for developing palliative care with a public health approach that targets all age groups suffering from diseases or conditions in need of palliative care. These conditions include HIV/AIDS, congestive heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, chronic respiratory diseases

and diseases of older people, among others.