Global inequity in pediatric and congenital heart care-is it economics or inertia?
- PMID: 40417607
- PMCID: PMC12102046
- DOI: 10.1007/s12055-025-01916-9
Global inequity in pediatric and congenital heart care-is it economics or inertia?
Abstract
Global inequities in pediatric and congenital heart disease care remain a significant challenge, disproportionately affecting children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This review examines the interplay between economic factors and inertia in perpetuating these inequities and causes and recommends solutions and successful examples such as strategic investments in healthcare infrastructure, workforce training, and policy reform. Economic limitations intersect with social, political, and cultural dynamics to impact access to timely diagnosis, advanced interventions, and long-term follow-up care. Addressing global inequities in pediatric and congenital heart disease care requires a multifaceted population health approach, with advocacy for policy and national planning serving as a cornerstone for meaningful change. Together, these actions pave the way for a future where every child has an equal chance to lead a healthy, fulfilling life, free from the constraints of inequitable healthcare access. Bridging these gaps is not only a moral imperative but also essential to achieving equitable health outcomes for children worldwide.
Keywords: CHD; Equity; Health policy; Pediatric and congenital heart disease; Population health.
© Indian Association of Cardiovascular-Thoracic Surgeons 2025. Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
Conflict of interest statement
Conflict of interestI declare no competing interest.
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