IBD barriers across the continents: a continent-specific analysis: Latin America.

Latin America (LATAM) is a large region comprising 47 countries and territories. Each one carries a different cultural and historical background, diverse political systems, and a particular approach to healthcare management. There is a lack of high-quality data on the epidemiology of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) in this region, including broad and detailed information about the penetration of biological and advanced therapies as treatment strategies. From an IBD perspective, patients experience, in general, fragmentations and inequities in the healthcare systems, with different and usually delayed access to qualified health services. This review explores the barriers to accessing IBD care throughout LATAM. The authors compiled data from multiple sources, such as studies focusing on epidemiology, biological penetration, and surgical rates. In addition, overall access to IBD treatments was assessed through a questionnaire distributed to physicians in LATAM via email and direct messaging to capture local perspectives.
Competing Interests: Natália Sousa Freitas Queiroz has served as a speaker and advisory board member of Janssen, Takeda, and Abbvie. Camilla de Almeida Martins has no potential conflict of interest to disclose. Kenneth Ernest-Suarez has served as a speaker and advisory board member of Janssen, Pfizer, Sandoz, Ferring, Menarini, AstraZeneca. Pablo A. Olivera Sendra: consulting fees from Abbvie, Takeda, and Janssen; Honoraria from Takeda and Janssen; support for attending meetings and/or travel from Abbvie, Takeda, Janssen, and Ferring. Abel Botelho Quaresma: speaker fees for Abbvie, Janssen, and Apsen. Paulo Gustavo Kotze: consulting and speaker fees for Abbvie, Janssen, Takeda, Pfizer, Ferring, and Novartis. Scientific grants from Pfizer and Takeda.
(© The Author(s), 2023.)