Surgery in Low-Income and Middle-Income Countries

Global surgery is an emerging field aimed at improving surgical care access and achieving health equity, especially in low-income and middle-income countries (LIMCs). Despite misconceptions, surgical procedures can be cost-effective and essential for addressing conditions like trauma, cancer, and infections. LIMCs face major barriers, including financial constraints, cultural stigma, workforce shortages, and poor infrastructure. Historical colonial legacies in Latin America and Africa have contributed to unequal health care systems. Addressing this requires region-specific strategies-Latin America must focus on reducing urban-rural gaps, while Africa needs to build foundational infrastructure and training programs to retain skilled professionals and ensure sustainable care.