Changing Mindsets: Why Surgery Must Be Recognized as Essential for Health Systems Strengthening

Abstract

The global health community today is facing significant turbulence. Major shifts in funding flows, geopolitical priorities, and research support, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), are compelling health systems worldwide to reconsider their organization and the allocation of scarce resources. In many LMICs, health systems and research are often dictated by external models that overlook local priorities. There is a growing call to empower local leaders to shape their health and development agendas. This involves fostering leadership that focuses on the community, encouraging research relevant to specific contexts, developing independent health policy systems, and transforming the dominant mindsets. The goal is to create equitable, relevant, and sustainable health systems that effectively serve their communities.