In 2019, the Pacific Association of Pediatric Surgeons (PAPS) invited two Afghan pediatric surgeons to Christchurch to its Annual Meeting as Global Alliance Partnership (GAP) Fellows. During the Annual Meeting and observerships that followed, Drs Rafi Fazli and Dunya Moghul gained scientific knowledge, but they also networked and formed friendships with those whom they met. Two years later, both GAP Fellows found themselves in perilous danger, as the Taliban swiftly gained control of the country. Both were targeted for their academic endeavors, as well as their association with foreigners and minority ethnic identities. PAPS members rallied and used their connections to help rescue them and their families, and Drs Fazli and Moghul are now both safe. Dr Moghul was invited to give the Journal of Pediatric Surgery Lecture during the 2021 virtual PAPS Annual Meeting, whereby she describes her harrowing escape from Afghanistan.
