63. Rewind: Elevating the Human Condition Through Pediatric Surgery w/ Vafa Akhavan

Global Health Pursuit

Did you know that only 3% of children in low income countries have access to surgery, while 85% of children in high income countries like the US have access? This means that easily treatable conditions like appendicitis or long bone fractures could result in death or lifelong disability for children in low and middle income countries. On the bright side, there are organizations like World Pediatric Project that are working to provide access to specialty medical care for children in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The episode features an interview with Vafa Akhavan, the CEO of World Pediatric Project, a nonprofit organization that provides access to specialty medical care for children in Latin America and the Caribbean. The conversation covers Vafa's background and career path, as well as the mission and unique model of World Pediatric Project. Vafa emphasizes the importance of access to healthcare for children in low and middle income countries and discusses the extreme cases that World Pediatric Project focuses on. This organization has amazingly developed a network of pediatricians, hospitals, and donors over the past 20 years, which allows them to care for children around the world.

Check out the shownotes to learn more!

Takeaways:

• Access to surgery for children in low-income countries is critically low, at only 3%.
• The World Pediatric Project aims to provide specialized medical care for underserved children.
• Unique surgical cases require tailored approaches, as each child's needs significantly differ.
• Building partnerships with local healthcare providers enhances the capacity of pediatric care systems.
• Children represent 30% of the population and are essential for a better future.
• The ripple effects of surgery can transform not only a child's life but entire communities.

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