This special issue of the journal, Progress in Palliative Care, edited by Liliana de Lima, executive director of the International Association for Hospice and Palliative Care (IAHPC), focuses on the advancements in palliative care in developing countries, the challenges that palliative care workers face, and the solutions implemented to overcome them.

In many developing countries, recognition for the need to improve care of patients with life-threatening conditions has been increasing steadily over the last two decades. Yet, little is known about these developments and progress.

This special edition of Progress in Palliative Care aims to fill some of this gap by providing information on the status of palliative care in four developing countries (Argentina, India, Jordan, and Ukraine) and the work of three regional organisations (the African Palliative Care Association, the European Association for Palliative Care, and the Latin American Association for Palliative Care) in helping palliative care development in countries with limited resources.