Humanitarian Urology in LMIC: Lessons Learned

Urologic healthcare in low- and middle-income countries is recognized to be underserved. The goal to improve urologic health outcomes for populations in these countries may be met through urologic humanitarian work, often brought about by aid workers with clinical expertise originating from high-income countries. This essay serves as a brief narrative review of the literature describing urologic outreach efforts brought to low- and middle-income countries and perspective on the purpose of these efforts. A range of urology-specific organizations are engaged in international volunteerism efforts. The foundation of this activity, to the greatest extent, can be characterized as international collaboration involving healthcare providers of the local region of service. Service activities include not just medical or surgical missions but span from clinical workshops to educational programming, faculty training programs, research enterprises and health care system initiatives. Whereas challenges confront aid workers primarily relating to difficult resources, there are definite rewards for humanitarian work. These rewards are not viewed only as a one-way proposition benefitting the local region receiving health care. Visiting aid workers also prosper by way of life lessons in service and humanity and an appreciation of health equity in a worldwide sense.