Thought Leadership The Lancet Features Operation Smile: Local Partnerships in Peru Driving Lasting Change For too many families, barriers like distance and cost prevent them from accessing the safe surgical care they need. We partner with local leaders and health systems to break down these barriers, building a future where every person can access the care they deserve. May 21, 2026 Five billion people worldwide lack access to safe, affordable surgery. In a country like Peru, with its vast mountain ranges and remote Amazonian communities, these barriers can prevent many from receiving the healthcare they need. As a new article in The Lancet , one of the world’s most prestigious medical journals, discusses, Operation Smile believes a person’s geography should not determine if they can get the care they need. We partner with local teams to strengthen local healthcare systems that bring care closer to home.…