Swisscross mobilizes specialized medical teams, to provide complex surgical care and hope to victims of wars. All images posted are with permission of patients.
Healing is more than surgery — it’s restoring confidence, dignity, and hope.
Every year, Swisscross brings humanitarian reconstructive surgery to vulnerable communities in Iraq and Afghanistan, helping patients rebuild their lives through compassionate medical care.
#Swisscross
It begins with the precision of organisation of every humanitarian mission- @Lass_Azad@sarezhhamawandy Swisscross doctors & field officers in #Erbil have made the June humanitarian mission a reality through planning of each mission.
Here they begin the day with Dr Walter Kunzi
At the Centre of Excellence for Complex Care, every successful outcome begins long before surgery. Patient screening is the foundation of safe, effective, and life-changing care — ensuring each individual receives the right treatment, at the right time, with the right support.
Children in Afghanistan continue to suffer the consequences of war long after the headlines disappear.
Swisscross believes every child deserves access to healing, reconstructive surgery, and hope.
Together, we can help restore lives.
For patients facing trauma or urgent complications, time can be the difference between recovery and loss.
Emergency and reconstructive surgery is not optional care in crisis settings — it is essential care.
#HumanitarianSurgery#reconstructivesurgery#Kabul#kurdistan#wartrauma
When surgical care is disrupted, children often bear the heaviest burden. Treatable conditions can become lifelong challenges.
When humanitarian surgery is inaccessible, children can lose mobility, education, and opportunity.
#HumanitarianSurgery#reconstructivesurgery#Children
Low-income countries spend a mere $8·70 per capita on health. “Out-of-pocket spending accounts for 43% of national health expenditure in low-income countries and 39% in lower-middle-income countries—trapping millions in poverty when illness strikes” thelancet.com/journals/langl…
9 out of 10 people in low-and lower-middle-income countries lack access to basic surgical care.
Globally, 5 billion people are without safe, timely surgery — with the greatest burden in places like #Afghanistan.
We provide life-changing reconstructive care to those left behind.
From January–April 2026, cleft palate surgery was a vital part of Swisscross’ mission in Erbil, giving children life-changing care at a critical stage of development. These surgeries help children—giving them the chance to live their best lives.
#CleftSurgery#GlobalHealth#Erbil
“To young Arab women everywhere: stay focused. The best is yet to come”
Swisscross Board Member and @cnnarabic VP and Editor-in-Chief @cfaraj is featured in @ElleArabialnkd.in/ekTaEfkB
From Jan to April 2026, orthopaedic care made up the largest share of our surgeries—accounting for over 34% of procedures.
Many of these procedures were led by Swisscross volunteer surgeon, @SarkhellR
Every operation is more than a statistic—it’s a step toward rebuilding lives.
January-April 2026 - our mission in Erbil has been about more than numbers — it’s been about people, resilience, and hope.
🔹 89 patients screened
🔹 35 new cases
🔹 15 follow-up cases
🔹 49 life-changing surgeries
🔹 16 plastic | 18 orthopedic | 9 maxillofacial
#GlobalHealth
Honoured to be featured by Cape Capital. Their latest piece highlights Dr. Enrique Steiger’s work with Swisscross delivering reconstructive surgery in conflict settings—where the need is greatest.
Read more: capecapital.com/folio/beauty…
From intervention to partnership
At Swisscross, humanitarian surgery goes beyond the operating room. By strengthening local capacity, sharing knowledge, and building systems that endure, we work alongside communities to create lasting impact.
#GlobalSurgery#HealthEquity