The findings
Every year, an alarming number of children continue to lose their lives due to a lack of access to appropriate surgical care. Faced with this silent tragedy, access to pediatric surgery becomes a necessity to ensure not only the survival, but also the development and future of children.
Pediatric surgery plays an essential role in reducing mortality and morbidity on a global scale. It enables the management of complex pathologies, such as congenital malformations, trauma, or cancers, as well as common conditions like hernias or appendicitis, thereby offering vital and adapted solutions to millions of children.
Pediatric surgery has, however, long been under-prioritized in public health policies and international cooperation frameworks, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
This neglect has led to the formation of pediatric surgical deserts across the world, depriving many children of the access to care they need.
Key figures
of the global burden of disease is treatable through surgery
of surgical needs are unmet in low- and middle-income countries
children worldwide lack access to safe, affordable, and timely surgical and anesthesia care
of children will require a surgical intervention before the age of 15 in low- and middle-income countries
History
2008Launch of the Global Initiative for Emergency and Essential Surgical Care (GIEESC)
The World Health Organization (WHO) launches the Global Initiative for Emergency and Essential Surgical Care (GIEESC), recognizing the importance of essential surgical and anesthetic care for all age groups, including children.2015Publication of the major report on the urgency of integrating surgery and anesthesia into health systems
The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery publishes its major report highlighting the urgency of integrating surgery and anesthesia into health systems as part of universal health coverage.2016Launch of the Global Initiative for Children’s Surgery (GICS)
The G4 Alliance and its partners launch the Global Initiative for Children’s Surgery (GICS) to promote access to safe, affordable, and accessible surgical care for all children, with a particular focus on resource-limited countries.2019Adoption of Resolution WHA72.31
The World Health Assembly adopts resolution WHA72.31, which reaffirms the importance of strengthening surgical and anesthetic systems within the framework of universal healthcare, including for pediatric surgery.
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