Our Story
Children are not able to choose where they are born, and it is therefore impossible to ensure equal opportunities to things like health and education. Sadly, millions of young people today face threats to their well-being simply due to their place of birth – their futures effectively stolen from them because of a lack of access to health care.
At United Surgeons for Children (USFC), we know that good health is essential to a prosperous future. And, when we saw the injustice of unequal access to care, we knew that something could and should be done – that’s why we gathered surgeons, doctors, volunteers and other partners to take action on behalf of children.
USFC is part of the international NGO La Chaîne de L’Espoir, a leading global health organization established in 1994 by founding members of Doctors Without Borders and Doctors of the World. Together, we respond to a crisis of unmet health needs for children in many of the poorest regions of the world.
Our French name literally translates to “The Chain of Hope”, and that is what USFC represents. Hope for children who can access the medical care they need. Hope for families who know they have a place to turn to. Hope for communities and entire countries who will be equipped with capacity and capital to respond to future health needs.
Take a Journey Through Our History…
“USFC is a venture of humanity, uniting the kind hearts of women and men who want to change our world for the better. Whether surgeons, doctors, nurses, donors or public authorities, what we share is a collective vision: Together, we can win the fight for life against child mortality.”
– Dr. Éric Cheysson, Vascular and Thoracic Surgeon, Co-Founder of Doctors Without Borders and Doctors of the World, USFC Board Member
Our founding members come from a range of fields and backgrounds, but all are united in their commitment to children’s health. Their spirit and dedication continues to animate USFC today.
Dr. Savine Baudet, doctor
Dr. Alain Carpentier, heart surgeon
Dr. Éric Cheysson, vascular and thoracic surgeon, co-founder of Doctors Without Borders and Doctors of the World
Dr. Michel Cymès, ENT specialist and journalist
Dr. Michèle Delarrat, anaesthetist
Dr. Alain Deloche, heart surgeon, professor, co-founder of Doctors Without Borders and Doctors of the World, founder of La Chaîne de l’Espoir
Dr. Yves Desgrippes, orthopaedic surgeon
Dr. Jean-François Elberg, surgeon
Dr. Didier Frémont, cardiologist
Dr. Bernard Granjon, doctor
Roland Guénoun, communications consultant
Dr. Bernard Kouchner, founder of Doctors Without Borders and Doctors of the World, former Minister for Foreign Affairs for France
Jean-Claude Labbé, senior reporter
Jean-Claude Lafeuillade, engineer
Dr. Philippe Luxereau, cardiologist
Françoise Monard, former Director of Communications at BNP Paribas
Dr. Pierre Pradier, doctor
Dr. Claude Prigent, cardiologist
Jacqueline Rougé, biologist
Dr. François-Xavier Roux, neurosurgeon
Françoise Sussman, company director
Marc Tessier, former chairman of France Télévision
Dr. Philippe Valenti, orthopaedic surgeon
“Human life is priceless, but it has a cost”
