Abstract:
This review explores the significant advancements in paediatric surgery in Africa during the twenty-first century, with a particular focus on capacity-building, education, infrastructural development, and research. Historically, paediatric surgery has been an overlooked sector, especially in low-and-middle-income countries in Africa. However, recent years have seen considerable progress. Collaborative efforts such as the Global Initiative for Children\'s Surgery, and the formation of the Pan African Paediatric Surgery Association, the College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa and the West African College of Surgeons have facilitated knowledge sharing, collaboration, and advocacy for enhancing surgical standards. Local training programmes, including Master of Medicine programmes and fellowships, have been instrumental in building a skilled workforce. These initiatives have been complemented by infrastructural developments through non-governmental organisations like Kids Operating Room, which have expanded access to paediatric surgical care. Technological advancements, particularly in telemedicine, have further enhanced accessibility. Task-sharing strategies, where non-specialist physicians are trained in paediatric surgical skills, have also been utilised to address the shortage of specialised surgeons. Research in paediatric surgery has experienced an upswing, with local health professionals taking the lead. Research has been crucial for understanding the epidemiology of paediatric surgical conditions, and developing prevention strategies, and is increasingly leading to the inclusion of paediatric surgery in national health plans. Despite the progress, challenges remain, including the need for sustainable funding, continued investment in infrastructure, and training and retention of healthcare professionals. The review emphasises the importance of ongoing efforts in community engagement, innovative technologies, and health systems strengthening for the sustainable development of paediatric surgical services in Africa.
摘要:
这篇综述探讨了21世纪非洲儿科手术的重大进展,特别注重能力建设,教育,基础设施建设,和研究。历史上,儿科手术一直是一个被忽视的领域,特别是在非洲的中低收入国家。然而,近年来取得了相当大的进展。合作努力,如全球儿童手术倡议,以及泛非儿科外科协会的成立,东方外科医学院,中非和南部非洲以及西非外科医生学院促进了知识共享,合作,并倡导提高手术标准。当地培训方案,包括医学硕士课程和奖学金,在建立熟练的劳动力方面发挥了重要作用。这些举措得到了通过儿童手术室等非政府组织的基础设施发展的补充,扩大了儿科手术护理的机会。技术进步,特别是在远程医疗中,进一步增强了可访问性。任务共享策略,非专业医生接受儿科手术技能培训,还被用来解决专业外科医生短缺的问题。儿科手术的研究经历了一个上升,由当地卫生专业人员带头。研究对于了解儿科手术疾病的流行病学至关重要,制定预防战略,越来越多地将儿科手术纳入国家卫生计划。尽管取得了进展,挑战依然存在,包括对可持续资金的需求,继续投资基础设施,以及培训和留住医疗保健专业人员。检讨强调持续努力参与社区的重要性,创新技术,加强卫生系统,促进非洲儿科外科服务的可持续发展。