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Global Surgery Day Official Position Paper and Call to Action is Open for Endorsements!
History of Global Surgery Day
History of Global Surgery Day
Global Surgery Day is observed annually on May 25 in recognition of the passing of World Health Assembly Resolution WHA68.15, the first formal acknowledgment of global surgery at the WHO level. The resolution recognized the importance of safe, timely, and affordable surgical, obstetric, and anesthesia care as part of universal health coverage and marked a significant step forward for the global surgery movement.
Over time, Global Surgery Day has grown into Global Surgery Week, reflecting the continued expansion of advocacy, education, research, and collaboration within the field. What began as a single day of awareness has become a global effort that brings together students, healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, patients, communities, and advocates who share a common goal of improving access to surgical care worldwide.
Global Surgery Day was first introduced and championed by Dominique Vervoort, whose dedication and leadership played an important role in shaping the initiative and helping it gain recognition across the global surgery community. As we continue to celebrate Global Surgery Week, we also honor his memory and the lasting impact of his contributions to the field. His work continues to inspire many individuals committed to advancing equitable surgical care around the world.
We also extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the progress of global surgery around the world. The continued efforts of individuals, institutions, organizations, and communities across the world have helped strengthen this movement and advance the shared mission of making surgical care more accessible for all.
WHY IT EXISTS
Surgical, obstetric, trauma, and anesthesia (SOTA) care saves lives every day — yet billions still lack access. Surgery has often been left out of global health agendas. GSD exists to change that.
✂️ Surgery is essential, not optional.
🏥 Surgical systems are pillars of resilient, universal health systems.
👥 Youth and communities must be at the center of the movement.
Honouring Dr. Dominique Vervoort
We honour Dr. Dominque Vervoort, one of the early voices behind Global Surgery Day (May 25) and a strong advocate for making surgical care more equitable worldwide.
Dr. Vervoorts impact continues through the global surgery community that has helped to grow and through ongoing movement to strengthen systems so more people can receive the care they need.
It is important to remember those who have helped and continue to help shape the foundations of our healthcare systems. Their work continues to guide how care is delievered today, and reminds us that as the field of global surgery grows, so does the responsibility to continue strengthening the foundations and carry forward the vision for making surgical care available to everyone everywhere.
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