From Saturday, 18 January to Saturday, 25 January 2025, the global pain and anaesthesia community will unite for the 2nd World Week and 2nd World Day of Regional Anaesthesia & Pain Medicine, an initiative led by the European Society of Regional Anaesthesia & Pain Therapy (ESRA) in close collaboration with its sister societies: AFSRA, ASRA Pain Medicine, AOSRA Pain Medicine and LASRA.
Following the success of the inaugural event in 2024—which brought together more than 14,000 participants across 140 cities in 60 countries worldwide—the 2025 edition aims to further expand international engagement and visibility for the fields of Regional Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine. The initiative reflects a growing global commitment to improving pain care through education, research and cross-border collaboration.
More information about the initiative, including participating events and activities, is available on the ESRA website:
https://esraeurope.org/meeting/2nd-world-day-of-regional-anaesthesia-pain-medicine/
Held under the theme “Joining Hands for a Pain Free Future Worldwide,” the World Week and World Day will feature a wide range of local in-person meetings, virtual activities, interactive sessions, hands-on workshops and educational exchanges between trainees and experienced clinicians. These activities are designed to support professional development, promote the sharing of best practices and strengthen multidisciplinary cooperation across healthcare systems.
Pain remains a major public health challenge worldwide, affecting individuals across all ages and populations and significantly impacting quality of life. Improving access to high-quality, evidence-based pain management is a shared priority across the European and global pain communities. As such, initiatives that foster education, innovation and collaboration are essential to advancing patient-centred care and reducing unnecessary suffering.
The World Week and World Day of Regional Anaesthesia & Pain Medicine serve not only as a platform for scientific exchange, but also as a global call to action to strengthen partnerships, advance research and promote equitable access to effective pain management. These objectives closely align with EFIC’s mission to improve pain care through education, research and advocacy, and to support collaboration among pain professionals across Europe and beyond.
EFIC welcomes initiatives that contribute to the advancement of pain medicine globally and recognises the importance of collective efforts in shaping a future where effective pain management is a core component of high-quality healthcare for all.