An Overview of Global Neurosurgery

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Neurosurgery
• Health Systems Strengthening

Background:

• Surgery, particularly neurosurgery, has been historically overlooked in global health initiatives.
• Significant global disparities exist in access to neurosurgical care, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries.
• Current capacity-building efforts often rely on philanthropic support, raising questions about long-term sustainability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the historical neglect of surgery in global health.
• To emphasize the need for sustainable and scalable neurosurgery capacity-building in resource-limited settings.
• To advocate for governmental integration of neurosurgery into national health strategies.

Main Methods:

• Review of historical global health priorities and current neurosurgery initiatives.
• Analysis of existing disparities in neurosurgical care access and outcomes.
• Assessment of the role of philanthropic versus governmental support in health systems strengthening.

Main Results:

• Neurosurgery has been a neglected area within global health.
• Global disparities in neurosurgical care are substantial, particularly impacting low- and middle-income countries.
• Sustainability and scalability of neurosurgery programs depend on governmental adoption and integration into national surgical plans.

Conclusions:

• Sustained progress in global neurosurgery requires a shift from philanthropic dependence to governmental commitment.
• Developing a global neurosurgery action plan with clear goals and metrics is essential.
• Integrating neurosurgery into national surgical plans is paramount for equitable access and improved outcomes.