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Barriers to Pediatric Emergency Care in Low-Resource Settings: A Narrative Review
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Barriers to Pediatric Emergency Care in Low-Resource Settings: A Narrative Review

Mohamed Mustaf Ahmed, Majd Oweidat, Olalekan John Okesanya, Mohammed Alaswad, Sohaila Mohamed Mohamed Abdelbar, Paviter Gill and Mohammed Alsabri
SAGE OPEN PEDIATRICS, v 12
01 Jan 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/30502225251336861
PMID: 40612221
url
https://doi.org/10.1177/30502225251336861View
Published, Version of Record (VoR) Open

Abstract

Life Sciences & Biomedicine Science & Technology Pediatrics
Pediatric emergency care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) faces critical challenges, leading to preventable morbidity and mortality. Limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, workforce shortages, and socioeconomic disparities strain the healthcare system. This narrative review identifies key barriers, including insufficient healthcare infrastructure, a lack of trained professionals, and restricted access to essential medical supplies and emergency services. Financial constraints, caregiver health literacy gaps, and technological limitations, such as poor EMR systems and limited telemedicine, further hinder care. Geographical barriers delay interventions, especially in rural areas with poor transportation. Weak healthcare policies contribute to fragmented care, necessitating urgent reform. Solutions include strengthening infrastructure, expanding pediatric emergency training, leveraging digital health technologies, and reducing out-of-pocket expenses. Community engagement and caregiver education are crucial for timely access, whereas global collaboration is vital for resource mobilization and sustainable improvements in LMICs' pediatric emergency care.

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