Global paediatric surgery: meeting an unmet need\u2014the response of the British Association of Paediatric Surgeons

Kokila Lakhoo,George G. Youngson

doi:10.1007/s00383-018-4365-7

Abstract

AimOutline the response from an organisation regarding the unmet needs in global children’s surgeryMethodThe burden of global surgical disease, whilst daunting, is becoming increasingly better defined as agencies, surgical colleges and professional specialty associations all attempt to increase capacity in terms of manpower, support education and find sustainable solutions to the deficit of health in treating women and children. However, definition of the problem does not in itself create change and similarly, humanitarian activities including volunteering by established surgical practitioners and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) make only marginal improvement in the standards of care on offer at a global level.ResultsThe International Affairs Committee, British Association of Paediatric Surgeons (BAPS) has had its target firmly set on investing in potential leaders within paediatric surgery in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and sharing elements of the educational programme made available for training within the UK and Ireland with the aim of contributing to the solutions of inequity in the surgical standards available to the world’s children.ConclusionThis article outlines some of the practical steps that have been deployed by BAPS by way of sharing the responsibility for problem-solving at a global level. It also highlights the need for clarity in advocacy and the route through which effective communication can translate into wider and more effective delivery of surgical care for children.

Highlights

A central tenet to which the British Association of Paediatric Surgeons [1] (BAPS) strives to adhere is the oft-quoted phrase attributable to Sir Denis Browne, the founding father of BAPS, and inscribed on his eponymous medal, viz. “The Aim of Paediatric Surgery Is to Set a Standard Not to Seek a Monopoly”. Nowhere is this maxim more challenged than when applied to the surgical care of children at an international level
It highlights the need for clarity in advocacy and the route through which effective communication can translate into wider and more effective delivery of surgical care for children
Another important request from the low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) region was short-term training in surgical specialities in a better established region in LMIC (“South to South Training”)

Summary

Introduction

A central tenet to which the British Association of Paediatric Surgeons [1] (BAPS) strives to adhere is the oft-quoted phrase attributable to Sir Denis Browne, the founding father of BAPS, and inscribed on his eponymous medal, viz. “The Aim of Paediatric Surgery Is to Set a Standard Not to Seek a Monopoly”. The aims of this attachment are to observe contemporary clinical practice as delivered by the UK and. The Lister fellowship A legacy from Professor J Lister has funded a number of visiting surgeons to attend the international forum This subsidy deals with all registration travel and accommodation requirements.

Discussion

Conclusion

Compliance with ethical standards