Addressing the Growing Burden of Trauma and Injury in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

TLDR

In low‑ and middle‑income countries, injuries contribute to significant long‑term disability and worsen already reduced life expectancy and quality of life. A NIH‑sponsored panel of trauma experts from the US and low‑ and middle‑income countries was convened to identify research gaps and opportunities. They prioritized sustainable research programs built on stable linkages between high‑income and low‑ and middle‑income institutions, noting that addressing trauma would yield substantial benefits for resource‑constrained communities.

Abstract

Low- and middle-income countries suffer disproportionately from reduced life expectancy and quality of life. Injuries are overlooked as contributors to global inequities in health, yet the long-term disabilities they frequently produce represent a significant burden. The Fogarty International Center of the National Institutes of Health convened a panel of experts in trauma and injury from the United States and low- and middle-income nations to identify research gaps in this area and opportunities to create new knowledge. Panel members identified sustainable programs of research established through stable linkages between institutions in high-income nations and those in low- and middle-income nations as a priority. The resulting benefits of addressing the growing burden of trauma and injury to communities in resource-constrained settings around the world would be substantial.