A total of 22 children and one adult were the lucky beneficiaries of the free life-changing cleft lip or cleft palate corrective surgeries, performed by Operation Smile South Africa, at the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital in Mthatha from October 21-23.
A cleft condition is a gap in the mouth that did not close during the early stages of pregnancy. Worldwide, it is estimated that a child is born every three minutes with a cleft lip or cleft palate.
A team of 20 Operation Smile volunteers, including plastic and reconstructive surgeons, anaesthetists, paediatricians, nurses, dentists, speech therapists and a psychosocial specialist, teamed up with the medical staff from the hospital during the initiative.
““We are so pleased to be invited by the Eastern Cape Department of Health and Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital to support them in assisting children in the Eastern Cape with cleft conditions. Without surgery, these children face enormous health, developmental and psychological challenges,” said Operation Smile South Africa executive director Sarah Scarth.
“The good news is that cleft conditions can be repaired in as little as 45 minutes by a specialist medical team.”
Eastern Cape Health MEC, Nomakhosazana Meth, explained the importance of the department’s partnership with Operation Smile South Africa.
“So many people, children and adults have already benefited from this great partnership, which we hope will continue for years to come. This partnership has restored people’s smiles through the life-changing surgeries. We are grateful for such a partnership, as we cannot afford to deliver some services alone. Indeed, working together we can do more,” Meth said.
Operation Smile is an international medical charity with a network of medical volunteers from more than 80 countries, dedicated to helping children born with cleft palate and other facial abnormalities.
The organisation said the Mthatha surgical programme was made possible through the incredible support of many local and international donors and supporters who have donated generously to help give these children new life-changing smiles.
