Since the 1970s, the humanitarian work of ICS was recognized by the WHO and other United Nations agencies. Under the auspices of the WHO, a surgical team's program was launched in conjunction with ICS. Today, there are many educational, humanitarian, and cross-functional programs led by ICS and the WHO together around the globe. Missions happen regularly to areas underserved or unserved by the skills our Fellows possess, furthering the purpose of the International College of Surgeons and of the World Health Organization together.



This relationship between ICS and the WHO is unique in the world, with the special NGO designation bestowed only on the International College of Surgeons among all professional societies around the globe. No other surgical organization has the same level of recognition or responsibility with both the World Health Organization and the United Nations as ICS. Together, we've built a legacy over the past fifty years of collaboration that has fulfilled the dreams of Dr. Thorek and continues to bring our surgeons and our Fellows to the forefront of humanitarian medicine.