Telemedicine holds great potential to revolutionise surgical care delivery for children, especially in areas where access to quality treatment is scarce. Reseach about the use of these services in African countries is , however, limited.

According to the research ,the present issues in surgical care delivery for children , as well as the significant role of telemedicine in advancing surgical care delivery in Africa sees major advances.

Research has  also showed that advances in technology—particularly the use of telemedicine—have significantly improved access to healthcare services, including surgical care for children across Tanzania and the wider African continent.

In addition, task-sharing strategies, whereby non-specialist doctors are trained in paediatric surgical skills, have helped to address the persistent shortage of specialist paediatric surgeons.

The findings are contained in a study titled “A Review of 21st Century Advances in Paediatric Surgery in Africa”, published in the MNH Research Abstract Book: From Data to Impact.

The study examined major developments in paediatric surgery in Africa in the 21st century, focusing on capacity building, education and training, infrastructure development, and research.

Historically, paediatric surgery has been a neglected field, particularly in low- and middle-income African countries. However, recent years have witnessed notable progress, driven largely by collaborative efforts such as the Global Initiative for Children’s Surgery (GICS), as well as the establishment of professional bodies including the Pan African Paediatric Surgery Association, the College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA), and the West African College of Surgeons.

These initiatives have promoted knowledge-sharing, professional collaboration, and improved standards of paediatric surgical care across the continent.

The study further found that local training programmes—including Master of Medicine degrees and fellowship programmes—have played a critical role in building a skilled paediatric surgical workforce. These efforts have been complemented by infrastructure development supported by non-governmental organisations such as Kids Operating Room, which has expanded access to paediatric surgical services in various parts of Africa.

Research output in paediatric surgery has also increased significantly, with local health professionals leading many of the studies. Such research has been vital in understanding disease patterns requiring surgical intervention in children, developing preventive strategies, and supporting the inclusion of paediatric surgical services in national health plans.

Despite these achievements, the study notes that challenges remain, including the need for sustainable funding, long-term investment in infrastructure, and the training and retention of healthcare professionals.

The study emphasises the importance of continued community engagement, the adoption of innovative technologies, and the strengthening of health systems to ensure the sustainable development of paediatric surgical services in Africa, so that every mother and child can have the best possible start in life. Protecting the most vulnerable mothers and children is also highlighted as a key indicator of health system resilience, contributing to reduced mortality and improved quality of care from childbirth through early childhood.

The research was conducted in collaboration with the Oxford University Global Surgery Group, Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, United Kingdom; the College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA), Arusha, Tanzania; the Branch for Global Surgical Care (BGSC), University of British Columbia (UBC), Canada; the Department of Surgery at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), Dar es Salaam; and the Department of Surgery at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam.

According to a recent 21st-century review (ASOS-Paeds), involving 8,625 children from 31 African countries, the recorded mortality rate was 2.3 per cent, while the complication rate stood at 18.0 per cent. Of the 169 deaths reported, 84.9 per cent occurred following emergency surgery.

The report further shows that complication rates among children in Africa were up to four times higher than those recorded in high-income countries, underscoring persistent challenges despite progress in the sector.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that surgical care is a vital component of Universal Health Coverage, noting that strengthening surgical systems—including paediatric surgery—has a significant impact on health outcomes.