Public health meets global surgery: a synergistic approach to better outcomes.

Global surgery (GS) aims to improve access to timely, quality, and affordable surgical care worldwide, yet it remains underrepresented in public health education. This cross-sectional study assessed the awareness and knowledge of GS among 242 public health professionals. Data collected via a self-structured questionnaire using SPSS 25 revealed significant gender and age diversity, with the majority being young professionals (76.4% aged 20-29). Most participants (71.5%) held a master's degree, and 55% had 1-5 years of public health experience. While 60% were familiar with the term "Global Surgery," a considerable portion lacked a comprehensive understanding. Participants emphasized the need to integrate GS into public health curricula through faculty development, practical training, scholarships, and research collaborations. These strategies aim to bridge the knowledge gap and enhance the role of surgical care in global health. Despite being essential for addressing a significant portion of the global disease burden, surgical care remains inaccessible to many in LMICs due to systemic barriers. This study underscores the importance of fostering international partnerships and promoting a multidisciplinary approach to improve surgical care access, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes globally.