Geospatial determinants of health: A global surgery lens

Abstract

Global surgery represents an emerging interdisciplinary field dedicated to enhancing health outcomes and promoting health equity by addressing the unmet need for surgical, obstetric and anaesthesia care, especially among underserved populations and those facing crises. This field focusses on improving access to equitable and comprehensive surgical care and strengthening healthcare delivery systems. The Lancet Commission on Global surgery of 2015 emphasises the importance of safe, timely, affordable and universal access to surgical care, highlighting the ease of reaching a surgical provider and receiving prompt and appropriate care as crucial components of timely access. Geospatial mapping and analysis are being used to assess access to surgical care in low- and middle-income countries and Africa. This data reveal disparities in access and is crucial for understanding health outcomes in different areas. Addressing geospatial determinants of health (GDOH) is essential for improving health equity, especially in these regions. Leveraging geospatial analysis can help mitigate delays in accessing care and improve resource allocation to strengthen healthcare systems. We propose that the interrogation of GDOH is critical in advancing surgical health, averting disease and implementing surgical interventions and programmes.