Our Work
SOTAC was founded on a simple idea: if access to surgical care is limited by distance, infrastructure, and resources, then care must move closer to the patient.
In the past year, that idea has moved from concept to implementation.
Working alongside ministries of health, regional hospitals, and local medical teams, SOTAC has supported surgical care in underserved areas and helped demonstrate that mobile, coordinated surgical systems can operate safely, effectively, and repeatedly in low-resource settings.
A Proven Model in Practice
Recent work in East Africa has helped establish a clear and replicable model.
In Burundi, SOTAC partnered with the Ministry of Health, regional institutions, and local surgical teams to support multiple surgical camps in rural communities. These efforts brought care to patients who otherwise would not have had access, while also strengthening local outreach efforts already underway.
At the same time, SOTAC worked alongside partners to embed mobile surgical care into existing systems rather than operate outside of them. This approach has helped demonstrate that mobility, when paired with strong local leadership, can expand access without disrupting continuity.
The result is not a one-time intervention, but a model that can be repeated, refined, and expanded.
Continuity of Care
One of the most important developments in SOTAC’s work has been the introduction of a continuity of care approach.
Rather than short-term deployments alone, SOTAC is working with partners to support ongoing surgical access through regularly scheduled camps, shared planning, and local ownership. This includes deploying mobile surgical units for extended periods, supporting monthly outreach efforts, and helping local teams build the capacity to lead and sustain the work over time.
In parallel, partnerships with regional hospitals create referral pathways for patients who require more complex procedures, ensuring that care does not end when a convoy leaves.
This approach strengthens systems, not just moments.
Partnership as Infrastructure
Surgical care in low-resource settings depends on far more than clinical skill. It requires coordination across government agencies, hospitals, supply chains, and training institutions.
SOTAC’s role is to help align these systems.
Each deployment involves collaboration with ministries of health for approval and integration, local healthcare providers for patient care and follow-up, and regional institutions for referral and support. Additional partners contribute equipment, consumables, and expertise.
No single organization can deliver this kind of care alone. The work succeeds because it is shared.
Expanding the Work
As the model has proven effective, interest in expanding it has grown.
SOTAC is continuing work in East Africa while preparing for additional partnerships in countries such as Malawi and exploring opportunities in other regions where local leadership has expressed interest in adapting the model. These conversations are approached carefully, with a focus on alignment, readiness, and long-term sustainability.
At the same time, SOTAC is refining its systems, including the design of next-generation mobile surgical units and the optimization of deployment strategies to support multiple regions over time.
Growth is intentional, not rushed.
Looking Ahead
SOTAC’s work is still in its early stages, but the direction is clear.
Mobile surgical care, when combined with strong partnerships and coordinated systems, can expand access in places where it has long been out of reach. The focus now is on continuing to strengthen that model, support local leadership, and extend access in ways that are both practical and sustainable.
There is still significant work to be done. But the path forward is becoming clearer with each deployment.
By the Numbers
XX
Surgical camps supported
XX
Patients evaluated and treated
Ongoing
partnerships with ministries of health and regional hospitals
Mobile
surgical care integrated into local outreach systems
Continuity
of care model introduced and expanding
Behind
each number is a patient who was able to receive care - often for the first time.
This work continues through partnership, collaboration, and shared commitment.
If you’re interested in being part of it, we’d welcome the discussion.