Watch now: What’s the role of reconstructive surgery post-emergencies?
Geneva, Switzerland - The Global Surgery Foundation (GSF), in collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), and the 2nd Chance Association, hosted a special hybrid event:
Why Reconstructive Surgery Belongs to the Humanitarian Response in Post-conflict and Disaster Emergencies
We are accustomed to reports from the media on disasters and their terrible consequences. However, what is commonly neglected in these reports, is the tremendous need for surgical care of the wounded and disabled long after the disaster is over.
“Reconstructive surgery plays a vital role in the aftermath of a humanitarian emergency”
The event revolved about the need for surgical planning in post-emergency settings with the following experts:
Dr. Pierre Quinodoz, Co-founder and President of the Swiss Association “Second Chance”, Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Geneva University Hospitals
Dr. Roba Khundkar, Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at Sheffield University, United Kingdom
Dr. Baraki Ataklitie, Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon in Addis Ababa University School of Medicine, Ethiopia
Dr. Amanda Gosman, Professor and Chief of the Division of Plastic Surgery at UC San Diego School of Medicine, United States
Dr. Tom Potokar, Chief Surgeon at the International Committee of the Red Cross
Reconstructive surgery plays a vital role in restoring the physical, psychological, and social well-being of affected individuals in the aftermath of a humanitarian emergency, such as natural disasters, conflict situations, or mass casualty incidents.
During this event, global experts uncovered the challenges of timely reconstructive surgical care, and explored opportunities to align interventions with the goal of strengthening health systems.
The event took place at the Swiss Foundation For Innovation And Training In Surgery at the Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève (HUG) with a live stream over Zoom.
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