From left to right: Lauren McIntosh, Executive Director for the Caribbean Region, World Pediatrics; Vafa Akhavan, Chief Executive Officer, World Pediatrics; The Honorable Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves, Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Dr. Donna Brown, Executive Board Chair, World Pediatrics; and Dr. Carrie Dolan, Director of the Ignite Global Health Research Lab at William & Mary.
“A Legacy of Healing: 25 Years of Impact” marks the official launch of World Pediatrics’ 25th Anniversary Celebration during the 80th United Nations General Assembly.
New York, NY — September 25, 2025.
The Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, in partnership with World Pediatrics, hosted a high-level side event during the 80th United Nations General Assembly to commemorate 25 years of transforming access to advanced pediatric healthcare around the world.
The event, titled “A Legacy of Healing: 25 Years of Impact,” brought together global health leaders, government officials, medical professionals, and international partners to celebrate the organization’s impact—more than 28,000 children served from over 40 countries—and to discuss the future of sustainable pediatric healthcare worldwide.
The evening opened with the premiere of a commemorative video honoring World Pediatrics’ 25-year journey—from its early beginnings as the International Hospital for Children, to becoming World Pediatric Project, and now World Pediatrics, a global movement dedicated to delivering, empowering, and transforming pediatric healthcare systems around the world.
Serving as emcee for the evening, Lauren McIntosh, Executive Director for the Caribbean Region, led the program and guided the evening’s dialogue. Her leadership in advancing World Pediatrics’ mission throughout the Eastern Caribbean and her close collaboration with government and hospital partners have been instrumental in expanding access to specialized care across the region.
World Pediatrics CEO Vafa Akhavan followed with opening remarks reflecting on the organization’s founding purpose and the enduring power of compassion in shaping global health outcomes.
“There is no greater, more wonderful sound than that of a baby or a child laughing,” said Akhavan. “Today, we celebrate 25 years of bringing that sound to life—25 years of compassion, transformation, and healing. When we transform the life of a child, we transform the life of a family. When we transform the life of a family, we transform a community. And when communities are transformed, the world itself is changed.”
World Pediatrics Executive Board Chair and volunteer surgeon Dr. Donna Brown shared insights from both her surgical experience and her strategic leadership role within the organization.
“Where a child is born should not determine whether or not he or she lives or dies, thrives or declines,” said Dr. Brown. “It is not enough to surgically correct or repair a condition—we must care for the whole child and the complete condition. While one successful surgery changes a life, it is the transformation of systems that changes entire generations.”
Dr. Carrie Dolan, Associate Professor at William & Mary and Director of the Ignite Global Health Research Lab, presented findings from her case study on World Pediatrics’ work in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, which examined 18 years of data across 914 surgeries.
“These surgeries don’t just fix medical problems—they restore thousands of years of healthy life,” said Dr. Dolan. “In Saint Vincent and the Grenadines alone, World Pediatrics restored nearly 6,000 years of childhood health at an average of $2,600 per case. That’s not just cost-effective, it’s an incredible investment in children’s futures.”
The program culminated with keynote remarks from The Honorable Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves, Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, who offered a deeply personal reflection on the organization’s humanitarian work.
“I have always thought of the World Pediatric Project and the doctors, nurses, technical personnel, and donors who make this extraordinary humanitarian effort possible as good Samaritans,” said Prime Minister Gonsalves. “We are all on the dangerous road to Jericho. But for the grace of God, we could have been those children. This work is not only about medicine and care; it is about love.”
Also in attendance were The Honorable Dr. Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Secretariat, who both commended World Pediatrics and the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for their leadership and regional collaboration in advancing pediatric healthcare. Their messages underscored the growing partnership across the Eastern Caribbean and the importance of ensuring every child has access to specialized medical care close to home.
As the organization embarks on its 25th anniversary year, this UN event served as both a celebration of legacy and a call to collective action—renewing World Pediatrics’ commitment to a world where every child, regardless of birthplace, has access to the care they need to survive and thrive.
About World Pediatrics
World Pediatrics is a nonprofit organization that transforms access to advanced pediatric healthcare by delivering life-changing care to children in need, empowering local medical professionals, and transforming health systems for long-term sustainability. Since its founding, World Pediatrics has connected over 28,000 children from more than 40 countries with critical care, training, and resources.
Mission: To heal more children, in less time, by transforming access to advanced pediatric healthcare.
Media Contact
Romina Newman
Senior Director of Marketing & Communications
World Pediatrics
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.worldpediatrics.org