We believe in a world where every child has access to safe, quality, timely and affordable surgical, anaesthetic and nursing care.

We envision a future where every child has access to surgical care. Our mission is to define and promote optimal resources for children’s surgery in resource-poor regions of the world. We do this by engaging leading providers of children’s surgical care globally, inclusive of the many disciplines of care, as well as organizations whose missions affect children’s surgical care.

Why It's So Important

The burden of conditions amenable to surgical intervention in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is great. However, billions of people around the world lack access to surgical care. Historically, little attention has been directed to addressing this problem. This state of affairs has resulted not only in significant burdens on patients, their families, and the countries in which they live, but it also compromises the realization of larger global health and development goals.

The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery: By the Numbers

World's population without access to safe and affordable surgical care and anesthesia
0 billion
Estimated loss in global productivity between 2015 and 2030 without urgent and accelerated investment in surgery
$ 0 trillion
Additional surgical procedures needed in low and middle-income countries each year
0 million
Estimated global investment needed by 2030 to reach the commission's goals
$ 0 billion

Who We Are

GICS is a consortium of providers, institutions, and allies from around the globe and from a wide range of both LMICs and high-income countries (HICs). We believe that children’s surgery includes all provision of surgical care to children, not just pediatric surgery. Thus, GICS includes all specialties and subspecialties involved in children’s surgical care, such as neurosurgery, plastic surgery, orthopedics, anesthesia, intensive care, radiology, pathology, laboratory medicine, pediatrics, nursing and physical and occupational therapy.

GICS Values

General Principles

We believe in honest, open, respectful, and unbiased delivery of our shared goals.

We believe in a diverse, inclusive, and equitable structure and membership in a world without borders.

We will treat all people in a way that demonstrates their high value as individuals, regardless of colour, race, ethnicity, gender, background, disability, sexuality, politics, or beliefs.

We will advocate for the basic human right to health for all children and families worldwide and for the essential role of surgical, anaesthetic, and nursing care, using a sustainable approach.

We will catalyze, advocate for, and promote increased commitment and investment in all aspects of children’s surgical, nursing, and anaesthetic care, particularly in areas with limited resources.

Photo by Kelly Fogel courtesy of Ohana One

We will elevate the voices of children and families affected by children’s surgical conditions, especially those who are disproportionately affected in low- and middle-income countries, in conflicts, and in disaster areas.

We will work to alleviate health inequity by reducing disparities and supporting providers of all aspects of children’s surgical, anaesthetic, nursing, and perioperative care, especially those challenged by limited resources in low- and middle-income countries.

Our Approach

GICS is committed to addressing children’s surgical needs by engaging with, and being guided by, the needs and insights of local care providers in resource-challenged areas around the globe. The aim of the GICS is to bring together providers and implementers of surgical services for children, along with health, advocacy, and policy experts to:

Analyze the current state of surgical care for children in LMICs

Develop global, regional, national and local priorities to improve the delivery of surgical care for children in LMICs

Identify and bring together resources to address those global, national, and regional priorities​

JOIN US

Everyone Deserves Safe Surgery and Care

GICS wants to engage providers of surgical care throughout the world, and we welcome you to join our efforts.

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