Editor’s Note: Engineering the End of Neglect

Welcome to the inaugural issue of the Journal of Biomedical Engineering Systems and Technologies for Low- and Middle-Income Countries (BEST-LMIC). It is with great anticipation and humility that we present this first edition dedicated to advancing biomedical engineering knowledge in and for low- and middle-income countries.

The impetus for BEST-LMIC arises from a persistent and urgent challenge: many health-care systems in LMICs rely on medical devices, infrastructure and technological solutions without the supporting workforce, infrastructure or policy environment in place to guarantee their safe, effective and sustainable use. As the journal’s aim states, our mission is to improve health outcomes in LMICs by disseminating knowledge that helps reverse this situation.

This journal is peer-reviewed, fully open access, and does not require any financial contribution from authors. We believe that the voices of researchers, practitioners and engineers working in LMIC contexts must be amplified with minimal barriers.

In this first issue you will find contributions that reflect the diversity of our focus: frugal innovations designed to cater for therapy in LMIC settings with possibility for adoption in the global village and contribute to evidence-based patient care in developing countries, Usage of digital solutions for computer assisted diagnosis and patient education.

As the journal’s editorial policy emphasises, we require that every submission demonstrates clear relevance to LMIC contexts: whether in the target setting, the stakeholder group, the problem addressed or the intended application. This ensures that the research we publish is grounded in the realities, constraints and opportunities of LMIC biomedical engineering practice.

I extend heartfelt thanks to our editorial board, peer reviewers, authors and all early supporters of this endeavour. Your dedication makes possible the launch of this platform. I also invite readers, prospective authors and biomedical engineering practitioners in LMICs to join us: submit your work, engage with the journal, and help build a community of practice that shapes the future of biomedical engineering in resource-constrained settings.

It is our hope that BEST-LMIC becomes a trusted home for rigorous, impactful work and a bridge between academia, industry, health systems and the engineering workforce in LMICs. We look forward to your feedback, collaboration and contributions.

Editor in Chief