Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Accept all cookies Reject all non-essential cookies Find out more

Scaling up children’s surgical services and eliminating Neglected Surgical Diseases by 2030

Professor Kokila Lakhoo spoke at a side event at the 72nd World Health Assembly in Geneva on 'Accelerating progress towards surgical equity in Universal Health Coverage through scaling up children’s surgical services and eliminating Neglected Surgical Diseases (NSDs) by 2030.'

Professor Kokila Lakhoo with two colleagues at the 72nd World Health Assembly in Geneva. © LifeBox Global
Global Surgery and Anaesthesia gain momentum at the World Health Assembly 2019

Representatives from Kenya, Republic of the Philippines, Burundi, The Gambia, The Republic of Haiti, Ireland, Laos, Mexico, Namibia, Perú, Sri Lanka, and Taiwan spoke on stimulating action towards integration of surgical care as a component of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and building a legacy of ‘Leaving No One Behind’ for the next generation.

Professor Lakhoo was one of several regional experts speaking on the topic of neglected surgical diseases and collaborative strategies to address these conditions through surgical systems strengthening, alongside Prof. Pankaj Jani, President, College of Surgeons of East, Central, and Southern Africa (COSECSA), and Professor Serigne Magueye Gueye, President, West African College of Surgeons (WACS).

The event wrapped up with a call to action to Member States and civil society partners to work together to:

  1. Support a Global Partnership to Prevent and Eliminate Neglected Surgical Diseases (NSDs) by 2030 that will be launched in May 2020.
  2. Support the KidsOR-funded plan for national scale-up of children’s surgical services through training and infrastructure development in Sub-Saharan Africa that will be launched in May 2020.

The event was organised by the Ministry of Health Kenya and the Philippines in partnership with Smile Train, KidsOR, Henry Family Advised Fund, College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA), The G4 Alliance, and West African College of Surgeons (WACS). 

Read the Report on Global Surgery and Anaesthesia at WHA2019 from LifeBox Global CEO Kris Torgeson

Categories

Similar stories