"When Knowledge has the Power to save a Life": A SURGhub Impact Story from the Democratic Republic of Congo
In today's feature, we speak with William Baraka, an anaesthesiology and critical care specialist from the Democratic Republic of Congo, about how transforming a personal tragedy into a lifelong mission is helping to make surgery safer in conflict-affected regions.
Surgical professionals around the world use SURGhub to improve patient outcomes. In this series we highlight their stories.
William Baraka comes from the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) - an area deeply affected by ongoing conflict. "Accessing safe surgical care remains a daily challenge," Mr. Baraka says. As a fellow in perioperative medicine and the former Chief of the Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care in Bukavu, Mr. Baraka frequently manages emergency patients in severely resource-limited settings.
His path into healthcare, however, was forged by a profound personal loss. "A defining moment in my life was the loss of my sister, who passed away due to a preventable complication related to anaesthesia and critical care during a medical procedure. This tragedy profoundly impacted me. It transformed my dream into a mission: to make surgical care safer, more accessible, and more reliable for every patient," he emphasises.
“Good surgical outcomes begin before the operation itself”
As the chairperson of an organisation building capacity in anaesthesia and critical care (SPOOA-PM AFRICA SAFE ANESTHESIA), he actively leads capacity-building programmes across more than 20 Francophone countries.
It was through this educational work that he discovered SURGhub. "Despite a demanding schedule that includes clinical responsibilities, training programmes, and travel, I integrate SURGhub into my routine whenever possible," Mr. Baraka says.
The true impact of this dedication is measured in the lives he saves.
"One case that remains significant to me involved a patient presenting with an acute abdomen. Through the structured approaches I learned from SURGhub, particularly in perioperative and critical care, I deeply understand the importance of proper preoperative assessment and stabilization before surgery," he recalls.
Mr. Baraka says that these approaches help significantly improve surgical outcomes, reinforcing the principle "that good surgical outcomes begin before the operation itself," he says.
“A future where no one loses their life because of preventable surgical complications”
Furthermore, as an ambassador for the African Society of Regional Anesthesia, Mr. Baraka utilised SURGhub - specifically the structure and techniques provided by the courses - to train others. He is actively helping spread knowledge and overcoming language barriers by adapting content for his local context.
Mr. Baraka says you have to "stay committed, stay curious and never stop learning." His goal "is a future where no one loses their life because of preventable surgical complications." Even though the path might be challenging, he believes that by coming together as a supportive unit, this "work has the power to transform lives and communities."
William's Top Course
Anaesthesia in War
Topic: Anaesthesia in weapon-wounded patients
Description: This course has been specifically designed for anaesthetists with no experience of war surgery, that would like to gain basic knowledge and skills in managing weapon wounded patients in a conflict, limited resources environment.
Useful for anesthesiologists prior to a first deployment with ICRC or other organisations working in conflict zones.
"A future where no one loses their life because of preventable surgical complications."
- Mr William Baraka
About this Story
This profile is part of our Impact Stories series, highlighting how SURGhub learners are applying global surgical standards to local challenges. Our mission is to ensure that high-quality surgical education is a bridge—not a barrier—to saving lives worldwide.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or standpoint of SURGhub or its partner organisations.
About SURGhub
The United Nations Global Surgery Learning Hub (SURGhub) is the premier training platform in global surgical care. A joint initiative of the Global Surgery Foundation (GSF) and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), supported by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and implemented in association with the Johnson & Johnson Foundation, SURGhub provides seamless access to quality-assured online courses for frontline surgical care workers in resource-limited settings worldwide. With tens of thousands of learners across over 200 countries and territories, SURGhub is transforming access to lifesaving surgical education.
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