Pediatric surgery in Burkina Faso: capacity, gaps, and challenges

Purpose: Burkina Faso faces challenges in pediatric surgical care, with apparent gaps in human resources, infrastructure and education. However, no quantitative analysis has been performed to date. This study aims to evaluate the capacity for pediatric surgery across Burkinabé healthcare facilities. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional descriptive analysis conducted in 26 healthcare facilities in Burkina Faso, including first-, second-, and third-level hospitals as well as private clinics. It used the Global Assessment in Pediatric Surgery (GAPS) tool to evaluate five domains: human resources, material resources, outcomes, accessibility, and education. Results: The study showed significant gaps in pediatric surgical care: A full-time pediatric surgeon is appointed in 7/26 facilities. Specialized infrastructure for pediatric surgery is limited: Operating rooms dedicated to pediatric surgery are observed in 2/6 tertiary hospitals, minimally invasive surgery is available in 3/26 facilities. Education programs were deficient: Continuing medical education to > 50% of professionals is offered in 1/26 facility. 22/26 facilities provided follow-up care for more than 50% of their patients. Conclusion: Burkina Faso faces major challenges in pediatric surgical care, particularly related to human and material resources as well as training. These issues must be addressed in the upcoming national pediatric surgery strategy to ensure equitable access to quality care across the country.