Swisscross Humanitarian Mission: Lives Transformed
Dr Yvonne Ying, a veteran humanitarian who has worked across the globe providing surgery to vulnerable communities in theatre with Swisscross Chief Surgeon, Dr Walter Kunzi and scrub nurse Renas Yunis. Erbil. September 2023
In the heart of humanitarian efforts, where compassion and medical expertise converge, the Swisscross Foundation embarked on their September 2023 humanitarian mission marking two years of the launch of the Centre of Excellence for Complex Care in Erbil.
The Centre, based at Zheen International Hospital and generously supported by UAE Aid has come to exemplify the power of healing and hope for refugees and vulnerable populations in the region.
Swisscross screened 51 patients and completed 19 life-changing surgeries on mostly refugees who have fled conflict and violence. With a team of international specialists volunteering their time and skills, working closely with healthcare workers and surgeons in Erbil, over 9 days they diagnosed and operated on patients and took the time to visit two refugee camps in the region.
The Urgent Need for Disability-Reversing Surgery:
In regions marred by conflict and instability, refugees, vulnerable and marginalized communities unable to access or afford surgery often bear the physical and emotional scars of their traumatic past. The humanitarian crisis in many parts of the world often demands immediate attention. Swisscross has the unique vantage point of seeing the physical injuries in the aftermath of war, conflict and displacement. Our mission is clear: to provide free reconstructive and disability-reversing surgery to the most vulnerable communities affected by the circumstances of conflict and violence and who have suffered debilitating injuries - with the aim of giving them a chance at a better life.
Liyan, 13 at patient screening with Dr Kunzi and Dr Ying before her surgery in September 2023.
A Glimpse into the Mission:
September 2023 not only marked a milestone - two years of providing free reconstructive surgery to refugees and vulnerable people in Iraq - but was also an opportunity to expand our international pool of specialist volunteers.
This humanitarian mission we were joined by Dr Yvonne Ying, Paediatric Plastic Surgeon at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario and Plastic Surgeon at the Ottawa Hospital and Dr Peter Beaumont, Consultant in critical care medicine at King's College Hospital, UK and an Anaesthetist.
The team undertook screening of patients across Erbil and of patients referred by MSF from their facility at Al Salam Hospital in Mosul. We screened 51 patients, including children suffering from extensive burn trauma, congenital differences and bone injuries.
Liyan, a 13 year-old Syrian refugee, returned to the Swisscross Centre this September. She came to us last year with her two siblings - all three had suffered burns after their camp enclosure caught fire, leaving them with severely burned hands. Dr Ying and the team operated on Liyan to release the burn trauma, which had left her unable to open her fingers and use her hand properly. Her procedure aims to bring function back to her hand.
In total, Swisscross completed 19 surgeries in 7 days. These surgeries represented not just medical procedures, but the restoration of dignity, functionality, and hope for the patient and their families. Among the surgeries performed were facial and head reconstruction, skin grafting, orthopedic surgery, burn scar revisions and breast reconstruction for a young cancer patient.
The impact of these surgeries extended far beyond the operating table, offering patients a new lease on life.
Behind each surgery, there's a remarkable story of resilience and transformation. Patients who once faced the limitations of their injuries are now on a path towards recovery and independence. These stories serve as a testament to the incredible impact of humanitarian efforts, reaffirming the belief that every life is worth saving and improving.
Nine-year-old Sina took a shine to our head nurse, Kathrin Shultz. Sina was operated on for congenital circumscribed hypertrichosis - thick vellus hair on her arm.
A Call for Continued Support:
While this mission was undoubtedly successful, the work of the Swisscross Foundation is ongoing. The organization relies on the support of donors and volunteers to continue its life-changing work. By contributing to their mission, individuals and organizations can play a vital role in helping refugees rebuild their lives, one surgery at a time.
To support Swisscross in providing life-changing surgeries, please head to our donate page.
