Surgery Team Evaluates Surgical Care for Infants in Zambia and Peru

August 2025

Surgeons at the Robert J. Havey, MD Institute for Global Health are working to evaluate delays to surgical intervention for children with open spinal cord defects in Zambia. Their research explores the disproportionate increase in the number of children born with congenital spinal cord defects, as well as the fact that neurosurgical care is only provided in the capital city of Lusaka with transfer from remote districts.  

The goal of the project is to understand the determinants of delayed access to surgical care for infants born with open spinal cord defect. Barriers and factors that influence timing to surgery are evaluated from the perspective of the providers and mothers and/or caregivers.  

The principal investigator on the project is Roxanna Garcia, MD, MPH, assistant professor of Neurological Surgery.

Collaborating on the project are team members from House of Hope, a non-profit, and University Teaching Hospital, both located in Lusaka, Zambia. This collaborative team includes multiple local Zambian team members who are focused on improved outcomes for children with neural tube defects. Additional team members include research assistants and multiple additional collaborators. 

The team works in Zambia and Peru, with research focused on improving access to lifesaving and life-changing neurosurgical procedures for vulnerable populations. 

“The work we do provides insight into surgical delays for children with life-changing congenital defects affecting the central nervous system,” said Garcia. “The need for prompt neurosurgical care is critical in most low resource settings because it can impact short and long-term outcomes for patients and families.” 

This project is supported by the Havey Institute for Global Health Research Catalyzer Fund. 

Hear more from Roxanna Garcia, MD, MPH, on her episode of Explore Global Health with Rob Murphy, MD.

Roxanna Garcia, MD, MPH, is an assistant professor of Neurological Surgery and member of the Robert J. Havey, MD Institute for Global Health and Northwestern University Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (NUCATS). 

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