title: Congenital anomalies in the context of global surgery.
abstract: Surgery is increasingly recognized as an essential component of global health development. This article will review the state of global pediatric surgery, utilizing congenital anomalies as a framework in which to discuss the promise of pediatric surgery in reducing the global burden of disease. Congenital anomalies are responsible for a substantial burden of morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), as well as significant emotional and economic harms to the families of children with congenital anomalies. Limited pediatric surgical capacity in many LMICs has culminated in a devastating burden of avertable disability and death. Pediatric surgery is an effective and cost-effective means to reduce this burden. Pediatric surgeons must continue to drive the growth of global pediatric surgery by engaging in clinical practice, educational partnerships, and research initiatives.
authors.affiliation: Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.
authors.forename: Nicole A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Sitkin
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of California, Davis, 2221 Stockton Blvd, Suite 3112, Sacramento, CA; UC Davis Children's Hospital, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA; UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA. Electronic address: dlfarmer@ucdavis.edu.
authors.forename: Diana L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Farmer
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D000067576:Child Health; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000601:surgery*; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003906:Developing Countries; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D013043:Specialties, Surgical
keywords: Congenital anomalies; Global health; Pediatric surgery