The global challenges of surgical congenital anomalies: Evidence, models, and lessons

The treatment of congenital anomalies (structural birth defects) is common to all the surgical sub-specialties dealing with children. Globally more than 90 % of all babies born with a congenital anomaly are born in middle-and-low-income countries where there is often limited access to needed surgical care. Challenges include lacks of early identification, registry and surveillance systems, missing referral pathways, shortage of trained surgical expertise and insufficient surgical infrastructure. Poverty, transportation logistics, financial constraints and social stigma are also serious barriers for families. There is, however, growing recognition of the priority to expand services, encouraged by the World Health Organization and other global players, and examples of successful models of care. Registry programs are growing, especially in Latin America. The Ponseti method of clubfoot care has been revolutionary on a global scale. The role of not-for-profit non-governmental-organizations has been instrumental in fundraising, training and logistical support as exemplified in the care of oro-facial clefts. Specialized “niche” hospitals are providing needed sub-specialist expertise. The way forward includes the need for effective partnerships, innovative methods to distribute care out from referral hospitals into the districts and the development of national plans embedded in national health policy.