About Surgery
The WHO Emergency and Essential Surgical Care (EESC) program is dedicated to providing life-saving surgical care to meet the need in areas of the world where the burden is high, access is low, and the disparity is great.
Surgery: the neglected component of primary care
More than 30 years ago, then Director-General of the WHO Dr. Mahler identified the important role of Surgery in primary health care, citing the availability of emergency surgical treatment in injuries as an essential component. "Without it, in spite of preventive measures…people will not have faith in primary health care…people in need must have access to skilled surgical care at the first-line referral hospitals.
How can Surgery Meet the Need in the UN Millennium Development Goals?
Provision of essential surgical care is critical in meeting the UN Millennium Development Goals of reducing child mortality, improving maternal health, and combating HIV/AIDS, and other infectious diseases.
