Why do we do it

It has been estimated that 5 billion out of 7 billion people globally do not have access to safe, affordable surgical and anaesthesia care when needed, and that each year 143 million additional surgical procedures are required in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) to save lives and prevent disability.

To begin to address this need, the Lancet Commission on Global Surgery stated that a massive increase in the specialist surgical, anaesthetic and obstetric workforce is required.

The Global Anaesthesia Development Partnership (GADP) works in partnership with Low and Middle Income Countries to help train and mobilise a specialist anaesthetic workforce.

Our Aims

Supporting the provision of safe anaesthesia worldwide, particularly in under-resourced environments, through:

  • Advocacy for better provision of high quality, safe anaesthetic care
  • Supporting the training and mentorship of anaesthesia providers
  • Improving the quality and governance of anaesthesia services; and
  • Promoting research

How We Work

We undertake our work via the operation of a number of nation-specific ‘development programs’, with a strong emphasis on partnership and long-term engagement, to have lasting and sustainable impact on the provision of safe anaesthetic care in under-resourced settings.

We have been working in Zambia since 2012 and in Ethiopia since 2018.

The training of physician anaesthetists typically requires a 4 year course, and the numbers of trained physician anaesthetists needed in many Low and Middle Income Countries to meet the Lancet Global Surgery recommendations means there is a need to train hundreds of specialists.

Our model of long-term commitment and integration of the program into local healthcare delivery means that multiple aspects of development can be supported, including educational training, mentorship, quality improvement, leadership and research.

Our Programs

To find out more about the work that is being done see current programs.

Trainee Zambian Anaesthetist using bedside echo to care for patients in intensive care.
ZADP fellow supports critical incident training through simulation teaching.
EADP fellows providing in theatre training and mentorship