Establishing Pediatric Cardiovascular Services in the Developing World

Abstract

Here is increasing realization that the lack of facilities for sustainable pediatric cardiac services in the developing world results in a massive number of preventable deaths and suffering. It is estimated that 15 million children die or are crippled annually by potentially treatable or preventable cardiac diseases. Ignored for a long time, this issue is starting to be a cause of major concern to individuals, governments, and, most importantly, cardiovascular specialists who can appreciate the gravity of the problem and that the current situation is unacceptable. What then can be done to alleviate the problem, by whom, and how? In this issue of Circulation, Larrazabal et al describe the pioneering efforts of Castenada and his colleagues in Guatemala.1 This should act as a model and a source of inspiration in this field. This editorial is an attempt to outline some of the issues that relate to the problem, such as estimates of its size, and explores potential, long-lasting solutions. Article p 1882