One Dream, One Smile: Karan Juglall’s Mission to Transform Pediatric Cancer Care in Mauritius

In Mauritius, where pediatric healthcare has long been overlooked, one man’s promise to his mother sparked a nationwide movement. Karan Juglall, founder of Enn Rev Enn Sourir (One Dream, One Smile), has dedicated his life to ensuring that children with cancer and critical health conditions receive the care they deserve. From confronting systemic neglect to building a network of support that spans continents, Karan’s story is one of resilience, compassion, and purpose.

Can you tell us the story behind Enn Rev Enn Sourir? What inspired you to create the organization?

To understand this, you need to know that in Mauritius, the system for treating inoperable cases is still very limited. These cases are referred to the Overseas Treatment Unit of the Ministry of Health, which covers only a percentage of the medical expenses abroad. The rest must be covered by the patient's family, who are often forced to beg publicly to collect the remaining amount. Since begging is illegal in Mauritius, families in such special cases —like seeking overseas treatment or recovering from a house fire— must apply to the Commissioner of Police for a “Public Collection Permit,” which has an expiry date and usually takes 2 to 4 weeks to obtain.

It all started when I was around 14 or 15 years old. I used to go shopping at the Central Market with my mum, helping her carry the bags. One day, as we were leaving, we saw a woman holding a baby with a bandage wrapped around the child’s head. She was asking people for money to send her baby, who had a brain tumor, abroad for treatment.

At that time, I didn’t understand the healthcare system or anything about public collection or overseas treatment. So I stopped my mother from giving money to the woman. I told her it could be a scam after all, we have hospitals here. That day, my mum gave me my first and last slap. She said: “When you don't know, don't speak so easily. You can hurt people, just like that mother is already hurting.”

When I later understood the reality, it hurt me more deeply than I can explain. On the way back home, I made a promise to my mother that one day I would work for children like that sick baby.

Since that incident, it stayed with me mentally and emotionally. I couldn't ignore it. That was the beginning of my journey, one I started with my beloved mother, who passed away on 29/09/2019. It was always our plan. In the early days, I was also inspired by Sai Baba of India, Mother Teresa, Michael Jackson (especially "We Are the World"), and of course, my mother.

When I turned 22, I left my “fake” career and decided to live my dream. I felt a deep spiritual calling to help sick children. It was such a powerful energy that no one could stop me. Even today, when I face difficulties, I miss that energy. I’ve never felt anything like it since. It was as if the universe wanted me to take the first step.

What does the name "Enn Rev Enn Sourir" mean, and why did you choose it?

When the time came to choose a name, I wanted something unique, childlike, and easy to remember. I didn’t want anything typical like “XYZ Institution” or “XYZ Foundation.”

Since it was my dream to bring a smile to the faces of sick children, I called it Enn Rev Enn Sourir.

• “Enn” means “One” in English

• “Rev” means “Dream”

• “Sourir” means “Smile”

So in English, it translates to One Dream, One Smile. The name was very well received by Mauritians. Today, our NGO is the most followed on social media on the island.

What are the main challenges faced by children with cancer and their families in Mauritius?

There’s a serious lack of pediatric specialists in Mauritius. This limits the ability of decision-makers to support children's healthcare effectively. There’s also a lack of political will, public awareness, and investment—both public and private—in pediatric healthcare. These gaps contribute to increased mortality rates and medical negligence.

Mauritius may be known as a paradise, but when it comes to pediatric healthcare, it has been a nightmare. While some improvements have been made recently, we still have a long way to go.

One big issue is that children’s healthcare isn’t prioritized by politicians—because children don’t vote. That’s exactly what an ex-minister told me.

Whenever pediatric initiatives are introduced, it’s usually during the final year of a government’s mandate, or sometimes not at all. And when a new government comes into power, they discard previous plans, claiming everything done before was wrong. This cycle has continued since our independence in 1968, 57 years. Even when pediatricians, gynecologists, or doctors have held top government positions, nothing meaningful has changed.

How is your organization helping to change the experience of pediatric cancer in your country?

We’ve worked closely with specialists like Dr. Kevin Teeroovengadum, the only pediatric surgeon on the island. He left the public hospital due to the lack of political will after being used for six or seven years without promised support for a pediatric unit.

We’ve also collaborated with Dr. Ryad Joomye, a pediatric intensive care doctor. He wasn’t hired probably because he was more qualified than the people evaluating him. #Jealousy

In addition, we’ve worked with Dr. Reshma Gaya, Dr. L. Kassie (a pediatric orthopedic surgeon from France), and Dr. Anne Morroe (a pediatric plastic surgeon from France), to help save children facing severe health issues.

We managed the first-ever case of head dilation disease. That child now has an LVAD and is on the transplant list. Previously, such children were simply left to die.

Our Childhood Cancer Care Project has saved many lives by ensuring access to treatment abroad, including the first-ever case in which a child received proton therapy to treat eye cancer without affecting other organs. We’ve also enabled numerous reparative surgeries.

We’ve supported more than 1,500 children with critical health conditions. Thanks to our network with SIOP and CCI, we came very close to opening a pediatric hospital. But with the new government, we are still waiting to meet them—no consultation has happened yet. All of these 1,500 children could have died if we hadn’t intervened—moving them from public hospitals with no pediatric specialists to private clinics or overseas treatment.

We also helped the previous government establish the Child Cancer Scheme, and I personally contributed to shaping its policies: focusing on early detection, direct access to quality care, and removing barriers for patients. We weren’t alone—SIOP, CCI, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Texas Children’s Hospital supported us. My mentors, Prof. Jennifer Geel (SIOP) and Bindu Nair (CCI), believed in me from the beginning.

What kind of support do you provide to children and families? Could you share a few examples?

• We raise awareness about early signs of illness in the general public.

• Promote early detection.

• Ensure rapid access to care.

• Offer 24/7 follow-up with patients and their families.

• Provide psychological and psychosocial support.

• Coordinate treatment with clinics locally and abroad, including visas and flights.

• Maintain transparency with all stakeholders.

• Support the complete healing process.

• Fundraise to cover treatment costs.

• Advocate for better policies and provide counseling.

• Constantly develop new projects to improve pediatric healthcare quality.

How has the community in Mauritius responded to your work? Are there any partnerships that have been especially meaningful?

Yes there’s strong support from the government, the general public, and major companies who invest their CSR funds in our organization. We also work closely with local media, such as L’Express.mu and DefiMedia Group.

At the SIOP congress in Uganda, I learned the saying: “If you want to go far, go together.” So I’ve made sure to bring everyone on board. They all have access to our accounts and spending. Everything we’ve achieved is thanks to the support and love of people and organizations who believed in our mission.

As a founder and leader, what has this journey taught you personally?

Almost everything. With progress comes both blessings—like great collaborations—and challenges, like more enemies or obstacles. You have to be ready. This journey has taught me not to give up, to believe in myself, to accept failure as a lesson, to keep learning and evolving. It’s also taught me that if you’re the only one fighting for a cause in your country, you need to be even stronger.

Most importantly, I’ve learned that the journey isn’t over. There’s still a long way to go, even beyond me. I must also prepare the future leaders of this beautiful cause.

Why do you think it’s important to include the voices of people with lived experience in organizations and decision-making?

Because they are the real ambassadors. No one can fully understand their suffering, sacrifice, or experiences except them. Every story is unique. To have meaningful and valid input in your board, their voices must be included. Otherwise, it makes no sense.

What are your hopes for the future of childhood cancer care in Mauritius?

My biggest hope is to see the creation of a pediatric hospital. We were so close to achieving this our plan includes pediatric surgery, oncology, orthopedics, cardiac care, plastic and dental care. We don’t believe anyone else in the country has a better or more sustainable plan for our children. We’ve been working on the ground for decades. All our international partners are ready they’re just waiting for the new government to call us.

This hospital would also serve children from across the Indian Ocean region, where the situation is often even worse.

How can people around the world support your work or get involved with Enn Rev Enn Sourir?

Pray for us. Support us through services, training, or by donating medical equipment. And of course, contribute financially so we can keep saving children’s lives. You are all welcome in Mauritius.