Strengthening neurosurgical care in Latin America: The Case for a regional framework

Latin America faces a critical neurosurgical workforce shortage, with an estimated deficit of 924 neurosurgeons and nearly 40% of the populatio living more than two hours from neurosurgical care. Access is concentrated in urban centers, while rural and underserved communities remain disproportionately affected. Training opportunities are inconsistent, with a lack of standardized curricula and limited regional accreditation mechanisms, further exacerbating inequities. Progress has been hindered by fragmented data collection, inadequate policy coordination, and unequal resource distribution. Despite these challenges, the region holds significant potential to transform its neurosurgical landscape. The Latin American Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (FLANC) and other collaborative initiatives provide an existing infrastructure to promote shared training, resource redistribution, and multicenter research. Proven models from within and outside the region demonstrate that sustainable, bidirectional partnerships and regional solidarity can drive meaningful change. Establishing a coordinated framework for neurosurgical development, grounded in equity and intra-regional cooperation, offers a pragmatic and scalable pathway to strengthen workforce capacity and ensure access to essential neurosurgical services across Latin America-a transformation that now demands collective action, political commitment, and decisive regional leadership.