Nongovernmental Organizations in Musculoskeletal Care – Orthopaedics Overseas

Coughlin Richard R., Kelly Nancy A., Berry Wil. Nongovernmental Organizations in Musculoskeletal Care: Orthopaedics Overseas. Clinical Orthopaedics & Related Research. 2008;466(10):2438-2442. doi:10.1007/s11999-008-0412-3.

Abstract

Injuries are a major worldwide contributor to morbidity and mortality. The negative impact caused by such injuries is disproportionately heavy in developing countries. Such disparities are caused by a complex array of problems, including a lack of physical resources, poor infrastructure, and a shortage of trained health professionals. Overcoming such deficits in care will require the involvement of organizations that can offer broad-based solutions. These organizations must bridge the gap between private and public institutions to establish a systems-based approach to program development and institution-building. They must provide not just an adequate level of care, but a transfer of knowledge that leads to sustainable and cost-effective intervention. Orthopedics Overseas is an example of such an organization. We examine the development of Orthopedics Overseas and describe their interventions in Uganda as a case-study to show the unique position they have to affect change.

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