A treatment program for babies with esophageal atresia in Belize

Abstract

Background Children born with congenital anomalies in low- and middle-income countries often face a multitude of challenges. Access to pediatric surgical services is limited because of a lack of medical facilities, an adequate transportation system, and a lack of trained surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses, all of which leads to a high mortality rate. Methods This is a report of a 5-y collaborative effort between the World Pediatric Project, the Children's Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University, and multiple organizations within the country of Belize to provide care for infants born with esophageal atresia, with or without associated tracheoesophageal fistula. Results A total of six infants were transferred to our institution in Richmond, VA for operative correction of their esophageal atresia. Conclusions Caring for infants with congenital anomalies can be challenging, especially children from low- and middle-income countries. Through collaboration between countries and nonprofit organizations, life-saving international care can be provided to children for these conditions.