Every three minutes, a child is born with a cleft lip and/or cleft palate, totaling an estimated 175,200 children worldwide each year. These conditions not only pose a significant risk to the child's survival—infants with cleft conditions are nine times more likely to die within their first year—but also, if left untreated, can lead to lifelong hardships, including difficulty in speaking, eating, and social integration.
Operation Smile, a global medical charity, stands at the forefront of addressing this issue by providing free, safe, and effective surgical care to children and young adults born with cleft conditions, regardless of where they live. Through the dedication of over 6,000 volunteer medical professionals from around the world, Operation Smile has been changing lives, one smile at a time.
Why Cleft Conditions are Serious
Untreated cleft lip and/or palate can cause severe health issues, such as malnutrition, ear infections, dental problems, and speech difficulties. Beyond the physical challenges, children with untreated cleft conditions often face social isolation, which can lead to significant emotional and economic strain on their families and communities. Operation Smile believes that no child should bear the burden of a condition that is readily treatable with surgery.
Vision and Mission of Operation Smile
Operation Smile envisions a future where every child suffering from a cleft lip or palate has access to exceptional surgical care. The organization's mission is to deliver safe, effective, and timely (SET) surgery to people where it's needed most, improving health and dignity. This vision is brought to life through international and local surgical programs, comprehensive care projects, and advocacy for improved healthcare policies.
Global Impact and Challenges
In high-income countries, surgery to repair cleft conditions is commonly performed before a child turns 18 months old. However, in low and middle-income countries, where Operation Smile primarily operates, barriers such as lack of awareness, financial constraints, and insufficient healthcare infrastructure often delay or completely prevent access to necessary surgical care. Despite these challenges, Operation Smile's model of care ensures that every child they reach receives the highest standard of surgical treatment.
The Journey of a Smile
The transformation begins with a child in need and ends with a beautiful smile that opens up a world of possibilities. For as little as $240 and in as little as 45 minutes, a child's life can be forever changed. This not only affects the child but also brings hope and joy to their families and communities. From pre-surgical evaluations to post-operative care, Operation Smile's teams ensure that each patient receives comprehensive support throughout their journey.
Join the Mission
Operation Smile's work is only possible through the generosity of its donors and the dedication of its volunteers. By supporting Operation Smile, you're not just giving a child a new smile; you're giving them a chance at a healthier, happier life. Whether by becoming a Smile Partner through monthly donations, volunteering your time and skills, or simply spreading the word, you can make a significant impact.
Operation Smile's commitment to changing lives extends beyond the operating room. By training local healthcare professionals and advocating for sustainable healthcare systems, the organization ensures that its impact lasts long after the medical missions have ended. This holistic approach to care exemplifies the true spirit of global solidarity and compassion.
Every child deserves to smile, to speak, to eat, and to live without the burden of untreated cleft conditions. With the support of individuals and communities worldwide, Operation Smile continues to work towards a future where this vision is a reality for every child, no matter where they are born.
For more information, please follow this link.
