Gray, R.M.Cronje, L.Kalipa, Mandisa N.Lee, C.A.Evans, F.M.2023-02-272023-02-272022Gray, R.M., Cronje, L., Kalipa, M.N. et al. 2022, 'Paediatric anaesthesia care in Africa : challenges and opportunities', Southern African Journal of Anaesthesia and Analgesia, vol. 28, no. 1, pp. 4-6, doi : 10.36303/SAJAA.2022.28.1.2767.2220-1181 (print)2220-1173 (online)10.36303/SAJAA.2022.28.1.2767https://repository.up.ac.za/handle/2263/89848In 2015, the World Health Organization and member states recognised surgery and anaesthesia care as a component of universal health coverage, yet 1.7 billion children and adolescents continue to lack access to safe surgical care. An overwhelming proportion of these children are from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In Africa, where almost 50% of the population is under the age of 15, children are disproportionately affected. Without sustained global efforts, these inequities and injustices will persist. Findings from previous studies suggest a 10–100 times increase in paediatric perioperative mortality in children in LMICs as compared to high-income countries (HICs). While pieces of the puzzle may be missing, it is clear that not only is access a problem, but also the safety and quality of the perioperative care provided is of concern.en© 2022 The Author(s). Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons License [CC BY-NC 3.0].Surgical careChildrenAfricaWorld Health Organization (WHO)Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)High-income countries (HICs)Article