Swisscross Concludes Its Final Humanitarian Mission of 2025 in Erbil
Dr Andy Platz in theatre at the Centre of Excellence for Complex Care, November 2025
In November 2025, Swisscross successfully completed its final humanitarian surgical mission of the year at the Centre of Excellence for Complex Care (CECC) in Erbil, Iraq. Over the course of seven intensive days, our multidisciplinary volunteer team worked tirelessly to provide life-changing reconstructive care to patients with complex surgical needs.
This final mission of the year was more than a medical deployment — it was a powerful reflection of what collaboration, compassion, and surgical excellence can achieve for vulnerable communities.
A Week of Impact in Numbers
During the November 2025 mission, 123 patients were screened, including both new cases and follow-up consultations. The case mix highlighted the wide-ranging needs of patients seeking specialized reconstructive care for orthopaedic, plastics, and maxillofacial surgeries.
From these screenings, 44 complex surgical procedures were successfully performed, including 12 plastic and burn trauma interventions, 10 orthopedic surgeries and 9 cleft palate surgeries on children including a boy as young as 1 year old.
Each procedure represented far more than a number — it represented restored function, renewed dignity, and hope for a better future.
Swisscross CEO, Dr Ian Furst, leads maxillofacial surgery. November 2025
Beyond Surgery: Building Sustainable Impact
The mission was not only about delivering surgeries. A central part of Swisscross’ work is capacity building. Throughout the mission, international specialists worked side-by-side with local Iraqi medical teams, sharing techniques, protocols, and best practices. This knowledge exchange helps ensure that high-quality reconstructive care continues long after our teams return home.
Closing 2025 with Purpose
As our final mission of 2025, this week in Erbil was especially meaningful. It marked another milestone in Swisscross’ ongoing commitment to delivering humanitarian reconstructive surgery in regions where access to complex care is limited. In the space of seven days, our teams were able to impact the lives of 167 patients and their families.
None of this would be possible without the dedication of our volunteer surgeons, nurses, anaesthesiologists, coordinators, local partners, and the generous support of our donors.
Looking Ahead
While this mission concludes our 2025 field activities, our commitment continues. In 2026, Swisscross will further expand its efforts to reach more patients, strengthen local surgical capacity, and continue restoring lives through reconstructive surgery.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
