WHO 장기요양 첫 국제 표준 초안 마련…“돌봄, 가족 헌신에만 기대선 안 돼”

The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed its first draft of international standards for long-term care. This initiative aims to establish global guidelines for providing care to individuals who require ongoing support due to age, illness, or disability. The proposed standards emphasize the need for accessible, affordable, and quality care services. They also highlight the importance of a trained and supported workforce and the integration of care into broader health and social systems. The WHO stresses that relying solely on family members' dedication is unsustainable and inequitable.

This development matters because it signifies a global effort to professionalize and standardize long-term care, moving away from an over-reliance on informal family support and promoting more systematic and equitable care systems worldwide.