The Disproportionate Surgical Burden Borne by Children in Regions of Armed Conflict.

Abstract

Modern warfare disproportionately affects children, severely impacting their mental, physical, social, and economic well-being. Specifically, children in areas of conflict bear a significant surgical burden. We aim to review literature to better understand the surgical needs of children attributable to conflict and the challenges faced in receiving surgical care in conflict zones. A review of literature and primary data sources was conducted to examine the impact of war on the surgical burden faced by children in six countries facing active conflict: the Democratic Republic of Congo, Syria, Yemen, Ukraine, Sudan, and Gaza. There is limited data directly documenting the surgical needs of children in war zones; however, extensive displacement and evidence of unprecedented grave violations against children, including maiming, indicates the gravity of the situation. On average, 50% of hospitals are rendered nonoperational due to conflict; the rise in demand for surgical care due to conflict is thus paralleled by a decrease in health system capacity, creating a worsening cycle of unmet need. There is an urgent need for systematic data collection documenting the health, and specifically surgical burden faced by children in conflict-affected areas. Evidence can drive advocacy for improved services and the enforcement of conventions protecting children in conflict.