Letters in Health and Biological Sciences | Volume 3 | Issue 2 | 2019-01-03

Delivery of Advanced Pediatric Surgical Care as a Model for Health Equity, Education, and Development: the First Separation of Conjoined Twins in Haiti

Jamie Golden

Abstract

Equitable surgical care for children is an essential component of basic human rights, but has largely been forgotten among the priorities of global surgery. The delivery of pediatric surgical care is inadequate in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) due to lack of specialty trained providers, health care resources, and infrastructure. Building pediatric surgical capacity through multinational partnerships concentrating on education of local practitioners is essential for sustainable, self-sufficient delivery of healthcare. We discuss the successful multidisciplinary delivery of advanced pediatric surgical and critical care in Haiti during the separation of conjoined twins as an example of an effective partnership.

Keywords: Conjoined twins, Haiti, International pediatric surgery, Multidisciplinary, Global health, Critical care