Critical care for children in low- and middle-income countries: Issues barriers and opportunities

Abstract

In richer countries, care for the critically ill has increased exponentially in complexity over recent decades. In those countries, intensive care is a vital component of an integrated health system with robust infrastructure and extensive emergency transport that make care accessible for children. In addition, the numbers of children who suffer life-threatening illness in HICs is relatively small and many intensive care resources serve children undergoing major elective surgery or suffering significant trauma. It is, however, a reality that the majority of children, and in particular those most critically ill, live in LMICs. A concerted effort is now required to improve critical care infrastructure for resource-poor areas. One opportunity is partnering between like-minded institutions with resources and a commitment to form mutually beneficial relationships to improve delivery of child health care. Although critically ill children in LMICs face great obstacles in accessing intensive care with innovative approaches, setting-appropriate care can be afforded.