Barriers to Pediatric Emergency Care in Low-Resource Settings: A Narrative Review

Abstract
Pediatric emergency care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) faces critical challenges, leading to preventable morbidity and mortality. Limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, workforce shortages, and socioeconomic disparities strain the healthcare system. This narrative review identifies key barriers, including insufficient healthcare infrastructure, a lack of trained professionals, and restricted access to essential medical supplies and emergency services. Financial constraints, caregiver health literacy gaps, and technological limitations, such as poor EMR systems and limited telemedicine, further hinder care. Geographical barriers delay interventions, especially in rural areas with poor transportation. Weak healthcare policies contribute to fragmented care, necessitating urgent reform. Solutions include strengthening infrastructure, expanding pediatric emergency training, leveraging digital health technologies, and reducing out-of-pocket expenses. Community engagement and caregiver education are crucial for timely access, whereas global collaboration is vital for resource mobilization and sustainable improvements in LMICs’ pediatric emergency care.
Keywords
pediatric emergency care, low- and middle-income countries, healthcare infrastructure, socioeconomic barriers, telemedicine, policy reform