An unacceptable inequity exists in the burden of pediatric surgical disease and access to surgical and anesthesia care between low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) and high-income countries (HIC). Civil society organizations (CSOs) and the voluntary sector have been integral in addressing this imbalance. This article summarizes the roles that these organizations have played in improving pediatric surgical care globally and how their roles have evolved over the years. CSOs and voluntary organizations have historically provided operations on LMIC patients; however, the focus has shifted to building sustainable surgical systems by training a skilled workforce, improving local infrastructure, and contributing to research and advocacy efforts.

低收入和中等收入国家 (LMIC) 与高收入国家 (HIC) 之间的儿科外科疾病负担以及获得外科和麻醉护理的机会存在不可接受的不平等。民间社会组织（CSO）和志愿部门在解决这种不平衡问题上发挥了不可或缺的作用。本文总结了这些组织在改善全球儿科外科护理方面所发挥的作用以及多年来它们的作用如何演变。民间社会组织和志愿组织历来为中低收入国家患者提供过手术；然而，重点已转向通过培训熟练的劳动力、改善当地基础设施以及促进研究和宣传工作来建立可持续的外科系统。