Surgical care faces urgent need for reform and funding.

Global surgical care is at a critical juncture, with an unmet need for 160 million operations annually and 3.5 million deaths post-surgery each year. Despite inspiring engagement in policy through the Lancet Commission, progress toward achieving the 2030 targets remains insufficient, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Chronic underfunding and workforce shortages have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The next decade necessitates urgent reforms to elevate surgical services as essential for health systems and economic stability.