Global burden of childhood Burkitt lymphoma (1990–2021): epidemiological trends, regional disparities, and projections for 2035 from the Global Burden of Disease Study

Global BL rates appear broadly stable, with pronounced inequities concentrated in low-SDI settings. Apparent improvements are heterogeneous, not universal, and are most evident in high-SDI regions where treatment and supportive care are widely available. Projections to 2035 suggest modest declines in global rates, contingent on sustained malaria control and expanded access to diagnosis and curative therapy in high-burden regions. Targeted investments linking infection control with pediatric oncology capacity are required to reduce the global burden of childhood BL.