Ending Neglected Surgical Diseases (NSDs): Definitions, Strategies, and Goals for the Next Decade

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Public Health Policy
• Surgical Care Access

Background:

• Significant disparities in surgical care access contribute to a backlog of untreated conditions in developing countries.
• Neglected Surgical Diseases (NSDs) represent an underprioritized global health issue despite overall progress in surgical care.
• Addressing NSDs is crucial for improving health equity and reducing the global burden of disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a framework for a public health, rights-based initiative to prevent and eliminate the backlog of NSDs.
• To define NSDs and establish criteria for practical program implementation.
• To integrate a human rights-based approach (HRBA) into global health strategies for surgical conditions.

Main Methods:

• Literature reviews to assess global disease burden, backlogs, treatment costs, and economic impact of NSDs.
• Identification of six index NSDs from the Disease Control Priorities 3rd edition (DCP3) list.
• Application of a human rights-based approach (HRBA) to frame the problem and proposed solutions.

Main Results:

• Six index NSDs were identified: neglected cleft lip/palate, clubfoot, cataracts, hernias/hydroceles, injuries, and obstetric fistula.
• Data on global disease burden, estimated backlogs, cost-effectiveness, and DALYs averted were compiled for selected NSDs.
• A framework using HRBA was developed to guide the prevention and eradication of NSD backlogs.

Conclusions:

• A rights-based approach is essential for addressing neglected surgical diseases.
• Defining specific NSDs and their burden provides a foundation for targeted interventions.
• The proposed framework offers a pathway for societies to fulfill their responsibility in eradicating surgical backlogs.