Every three minutes a child is born with a cleft lip or palate somewhere in the world – that’s one in every 500-700 births. Without surgery, nine out of 10 of the children would die before their first birthday. Those who do survive often face challenges eating, speaking and breathing.
In countries where there are developed healthcare systems, babies with cleft lip and cleft palate are usually identified in-utero during pre-natal scans. They are operated on in the first three to six months after birth and receive ongoing dental, maxillofacial care and speech therapy. By contrast, in many countries where medical resources are scarce, the cost of cleft treatment – if available, is prohibitive – an operation could cost as much as a year’s salary.
In addition to the cost, in the countries where Operation Smile works, some people may not even be aware that a cleft condition is treatable which feeds into misunderstandings and superstitions about the child and the family. In fact, in some countries, children with cleft conditions are shunned by their communities. Many avoid school and social interaction because of bullying, which is why raising awareness of cleft conditions is of prime importance. Children with a cleft palate are also vulnerable to malnutrition as it can be difficult for them to feed properly, so nutritional support is another key part of the care Operation Smile provides.
Empowerment not interventionism
Operation Smile trains local medical professionals, and partners with hospitals, governments and ministries of health in order to ensure that safe and effective surgery is a right for everyone in need. The charity ensures that its ongoing programmes are run by local medical people, to the extent that over 85 percent of all programmes globally are now managed by local teams; a testament to the significance of the work it carries out with local healthcare professionals.
As a result of its sustainable local training Operation Smile has created Cleft Care Centres which are run by local surgeons. By empowering home-grown healthcare professionals Operation Smile is providing a legacy of local medical networks which can continue the work, and have a lasting impact on their own communities.
EAS’ funds a sustainable and lasting legacy
At the EAS Congress in Valencia it was announced that Operation Smile is the beneficiary of a significant legacy fund donation from the Society. The funds are drawn from surpluses generated by sponsorship and delegate fees following a series of highly successful congresses. £80,000 (94,768.165 Euros) is being paid over 3 years to help the charity continue to develop and support cleft lip and palate treatment programmes which have a lasting impact in developing countries.
The EAS’ 6th Congress in Rhodes will be addressed by Operation Smile who will be explaining the significance and lasting impact of the Society’s funding.
