Our 2023 results are now available
The Global Surgery Foundation (GSF) is pleased to present its 2023 Annual Report. In light of this successful year, we are grateful for the strong support from our founding members, donors, and partners towards our mission. Our sincere thanks for your continued support, as we work together to meet one of the greatest needs in global health.
A record-breaking year for growth & frontline impact
In 2023, GSF significantly expanded its global footprint, reaching several important milestones in priority areas.
Selected highlights include:
The establishment of a dedicated Women’s Health Programme and team
The launch of SURGfund, the first catalytic fund for surgical care systems
The provision of financial support to 5 partners for 4 projects through SURGfund
The launch of SURGhub, which reached healthcare workers with live-saving training in 150 countries
A significant expansion of the Secretariat team, advisory positions, and partnerships
Download the full report for more.
2023 was a record-breaking year for GSF with significant growth and expansion of frontline impact.
Read the letter from GSF leadership
The year 2023 was a time of significant growth for the Global Surgery Foundation (GSF) – a global partnership – as we transitioned from a start-up to a fully functional organization with an expanding team that is collaborating widely with health professionals and institutions working on the frontlines to achieve tangible results. We are very pleased to share the 2023 GSF Annual Report, which encapsulates our achievements this year, marked by major milestones and steadfast progress toward our mission of ensuring safe, affordable surgical care for all. The GSF leadership is extremely proud of our team and grateful for the dedication and hard work that led to the successes of 2023.
One of the most notable achievements in 2023 was the successful launch of the United Nations Global Surgery Learning Hub (SURGhub), which has provided since its launch online, open access courses for high quality surgical and anaesthesia training to more than 3,500 registrants from 150 countries, with over 1,200 certificates awarded. This collaborative initiative with UNITAR, partner content providers, the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland, and the Johnson & Johnson Foundation represents a transformative step forward in addressing the global surgical workforce shortage.
This year also marked a significant advancement in activities related to women’s health with the establishment of the Women’s Health Team at the GSF. Under the leadership of Dr. John Varallo, the team accelerated programming in maternal health and women’s cancers, setting the stage for major scale-up in the coming years.
As always, the key to success is the availability of adequate financing to ensure sustainable implementation of programs supported by and implemented by GSF.
“10,300 patients and healthcare providers have directly benefited from our efforts.”
To secure sustainable financing, the GSF leadership has established the SURGfund, the first and only catalytic funding mechanism dedicated to scaling-up surgical care systems.
SURGfund was launched at the GSF’s highly successful World Health Assembly side event in May 2023 and with real success in its initial phase. In just 12 months, the SURGfund has successfully supported five projects, impacting 4.3 million people by enhancing effective coverage.
As a result, 10,300 patients and healthcare providers have directly benefited from our efforts. This progress continues to accelerate, with seven additional projects developed in 2023 and in the pipeline ready for implementation.
“In just 12 months, the SURGfund has successfully supported five projects, impacting 4.3 million people by enhancing effective coverage.”
However, our journey is far from over. Worldwide, hundreds of millions of individuals still lack access to essential surgical services. As we look to the future, the GSF team remains committed to scaling our initiatives, forging new partnerships, and innovating solutions to improve access to safe surgical care.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our donors, partners, and volunteers. Your unwavering support and generosity are the bedrock of our achievements. Together, we are not just improving access to safe surgical care; we are restoring hope, dignity, and opportunities for individuals and communities worldwide.
As you read through this report, we hope you become inspired by the progress made and choose to become part of the GSF story. Together, let us continue this vital work with renewed vigor and an unyielding commitment to a world where everyone has access to the safe surgical care they need.
With gratitude and optimism,
