Introducing: Operation 100

Operation 100 will equip 100 cleft operative teams with advanced skills, essential equipment and enhanced health care infrastructure in 100 hospitals. These teams will be able to independently deliver life-changing surgeries at district hospitals, making essential cleft surgery accessible within two hours of home for nearly 500 million people.

A Human Right

We believe safe, essential surgery is a human right. Unfortunately, 5 billion people — more than two-thirds of the world’s population — lack access to safe, affordable surgery. Access is worst in low-income and lower-middle income countries where nine out of 10 people cannot access basic surgical care. 

To address this, an estimated 143 million more surgeries are needed annually requiring 2.2 million more surgeons, anesthetists and obstetricians.  

Everyday, we see the obstacles our patients face in accessing care. As a data-driven organization, we know where our patients are and the distances they travel to access the care they need. For example, we know that 80% of our patients in Guatemala have to travel more than two hours to access the care they need. We hear stories of patients walking for hours to reach our surgical programs.

We are bridging the gap by bringing care closer to the communities we serve, ensuring everyone gets access to the high-quality care they deserve. By addressing barriers like distance, limited health care infrastructure and lack of trained professionals, we’re ensuring that more people have access to life-changing surgery close to home.

Just the Start

100 is just the start. We’re breaking down barriers to surgical care and advancing health equity, so no one is left behind. Operation 100 is a transformational strategy, driven by our commitment to lasting impact. It will change lives — not only for patients, but for families, communities and health care providers for years to come.