Ten years, thousands of smiles: How Surgeons for Little Lives is giving children a fighting chance

For ten years, Surgeons for Little Lives has been a vital force in paediatric healthcare at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH) in Soweto, helping thousands of young patients receive life-saving treatment and support.

Founded in 2015, the non-profit organisation works alongside doctors, nurses, and families to improve conditions for children at the largest hospital in the southern hemisphere. Its efforts have included upgrading surgical wards and equipment, creating family-friendly spaces, and supporting the training of future paediatric specialists.

“Our first ten years have shown what’s possible when people come together with one shared purpose: to save and uplift the lives of children,” said Professor Jerome Loveland, founder and chair of Surgeons for Little Lives. “We are deeply proud of what has been accomplished, but we know the need is growing. That’s why we will continue, every single day, to build capacity, inspire future leaders, and give every child a fighting chance at a brighter future.”

Bridging gaps in care

South Africa continues to face a shortage of paediatric surgical capacity. Children make up nearly 40% of the population, yet limited facilities and specialists mean many wait long periods for treatment. CHBAH’s paediatric surgery department alone sees over 11 000 patients and performs more than 2 300 operations each year.

Surgeons for Little Lives works with the Department of Health to help turn overstretched wards into dignified, child-friendly spaces. Over the past decade, it has introduced several projects to improve recovery and comfort, including outdoor play areas, family sleep-over rooms, and the complete refurbishment of Ward 32, which now includes a library, playroom and upgraded bathrooms.

Its most recent project, the Wells Paediatric Burns Unit, doubled ICU beds, enhanced infection control, and added dedicated rehabilitation spaces. The unit has already seen a reduction in mortality rates.

Beyond hospital walls

The organisation also focuses on children’s emotional and psychological recovery. The Healing Through Art & Music programme offers young patients an outlet for trauma, while the SCAN programme, launched in 2023, assists with the detection and prevention of child abuse. A partnership with the South African Breastmilk Reserve provides lactation support for new mothers, and smaller initiatives, such as discharge packs and Mandela Day donations, continue to ease the stress of long hospital stays.

Training the next generation

Paediatric surgeons are scarce in South Africa, and training takes years. Surgeons for Little Lives has supported 17 qualified surgeons and another 15 registrars currently in training. It also provides tools such as surgical loupes and funds access to academic opportunities.

In 2024, the first Rolls Royce Oncology Fellow, Dr  Andinet Beza from Ethiopia, trained at CHBAH before returning home to apply his new expertise. “This initiative, along with other training efforts, is helping to build the next generation of paediatric surgeons equipped to deliver world-class care. Training these specialists is a responsibility we take seriously and a privilege we don’t take for granted,” said Professor Loveland.

Community and partnerships

Fundraising and community involvement have played a key role in sustaining the organisation. Events such as Bara Ride and Joberg2C have raised awareness and funds for paediatric surgery, while volunteer programmes offer job-shadowing opportunities for young people interested in healthcare.

“This impact has only been possible thanks to the support of partners,” said Professor Loveland. “Contributions from corporates, foundations, and philanthropists have funded essential equipment, upgraded facilities, supported family-centred programmes, and helped fill critical gaps in care, ensuring that more children receive the treatment they need.”

A decade in numbers

• 11 000+ patients seen each year

• 2 300+ operations performed annually

• 3 000+ burns patients treated since 2015

• Mortality halved in the burns unit after upgrades

• ICU beds increased from six to 11 in 2025

• 17 paediatric surgeons trained; 15 registrars in training

• Hundreds of families supported through counselling, sleep-over spaces, and lactation services

Looking ahead

To mark its 10th anniversary, Surgeons for Little Lives has launched a “R365 for 365 days” campaign, encouraging South Africans to donate one rand for every day of the year. Each contribution helps cover the cost of burn dressings for a child, meals for parents at the bedside, or materials for play therapy sessions.

“Every rand counts. Every day makes a difference,” the organisation said.

For more information or to support the initiative, visit surgeonsforlittlelives.org