Community impact
As a community-driven organization, Global Surgical Initiatives (GSI), places a high value on community trust, directing its efforts and resources to respond to the most pressing locally-driven, community-based ambulatory surgical care needs. Through the work of our flagship surgical care facility, the Kyabirwa Surgical Center, located in Jinja, Uganda, we have created strong community ties across more than 336 villages.
Overcoming Barriers to Accessing Surgical Care
Through education, sensitization and awareness raising, we improve understanding surrounding the importance of disease prevention, early detection and screening and the role and safety of surgical care treatment.
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We engage community members through locally accessible communication channels, including social media and radio talks in partnership with local radio stations.
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In 2024-25, we engaged more than 1,400 new community members.
Bringing Care to the Community
​In addition to our day-to-day ambulatory surgical care delivery, we provide free clinics and surgical camps, where community members can learn about safe surgical care and treatment and benefit from one-to-one consultations and physical examinations within their own communities.
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Through digitally-captured post-surgical wound healing images, we monitor patients' recovery in their homes following ambulatory surgery.
Since the program's inception in 2020, we carried out 18,596 visits.
Providing Psychosocial Care Across the Care Continuum
​We understand that care does not stop at surgical intervention – it extends to needed psychosocial support, particularly within the case of cancer.
To help patients cope with the psychological, social, and economic impacts of cancer, our social work team accompanies community members throughout their care journey, supporting patients’ treatment adherence and quality of life even as some move through palliative care.
In 2024-25 alone, we supported 127 patients diagnosed with cancer.
Ensuring Affordable Surgical Care
​To ensure equitable access to affordable care, our flagship surgical care facility, the Kyabirwa Surgical Center, launched a Credit Policy in 2024, enabling patients to undergo surgery without the immediate burden of full payment.
This policy allows community members who can only afford 50% of the total cost upfront to nonetheless access urgent surgical care. The agreement allows patients to repay the outstanding care fees following their recovery, according to set payment terms.
Since its launch, 53 patients benefited from the policy, all of whom successfully repaid their bills within the specified timeframe.
Through the commitment of our community outreach and social work teams, we directly address barriers to seeking surgical care amongst local communities.