Smile Train, a nonprofit organization operating in Nigeria and other countries says its has so far sponsored over 30,000 free surgeries of children with cleft lip and palate in Nigeria.
Public Relations and communication manager of Smile Train, Africa Emily Manjeru stated this in Abuja during a media workshop organised by an NGO, Smile Train on its offer to carry out corrective surgeries on children with cleft lip and palate free of charge, the theme of the workshop is ‘the media as a veritable tool for demystification of cleft’
She explained that one out of 1000 children born everyday in Nigeria is born with a medical condition, cleft lip and palate, adding that such children are often isolated in their communities. She however noted that it is not a death sentence as corrective surgery will transform them back to their social lives.
Also speaking, a consultant plastic surgeon with the University of Abuja teaching hospital, Gwagwalada Dr Amina Ibrahim Abubakar said that cleft lip and palate is not a death sentence to such victims, adding that it can be treated through a corrective surgery, adding that she has so far operated over 300 of such cases without any complications.
Cleft lip is an opening or split in the upper lip that occurs when developing facial structures in an unborn baby don’t close completely and it may be unilateral or bilateral, as a baby may experience a cleft in the roof of the mouth (cleft palate).
The consultant explained further that, though less privilege members of the society may not be able to afford the cost of the surgery, However Smile Train, an NGO has offered to treat anybody (child or adult) with cleft lip and palate free of charge.
She said that a cleft lip/palate is not a curse or evil spirit as many communities tend to believe, adding that anybody with a cleft lip/palate can be helped through a surgery to be paid free of charge courtesy of ‘Smile Train’.
Dr Amina’s passion for cleft surgery is born out of the need to create awareness about the disease to dispel harmful tradition practices towards these patients as well as provide quality corrective surgery to ensure these patients get seamlessly integrated into the society.
She said that some of the causes of cleft’ are unknown, genetics, spontaneous, maternal malnutrition, alcohol, older/young parents, adding that some of the cultural practices of cleft’ are stigmatization, banishment and abuse.
She call on all Nigerians to report cases of cleft’ to Smile Train to enable them undergo surgery free of charge, adding that some of the symptoms include Aesthetic, failure to thrive, speech problem, hearing problem, psychological issues, no mental issues, can’t suck breasts especially those with palate.
She call on journalists to create awareness through consistent publicity and advocacy about the activities of Smile Train in treating people with cleft lip and palate free of charge courtesy of Smile Train.
Other speakers at the worship include the FCT NUJ chairman Mr Emmanuel Ogbeche, Mr Paul Lobi, Mr Alex Abutu, Mr Kenneth Azahan as well as Nkechi Isaac who spoke on different strategies in creating awareness on the activities of Smile Train regarding its free treatment of people with clef