By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
The Smile Train foundation in conjunction with the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), on Monday in Ilorin commenced free surgical intervention for the repair of cleft lips and cleft palate for children across Kwara.
Speaking on the sidelines of the campaign rally, Prof. AbdulRasheed Nasir, the Team Lead of Smile Train Partners, UITH told newsmen that the rally was to sensitize people on the congenital deformity.
He stated that Smile Train has made provision of free surgical intervention for the repair of cleft lips and cleft palate for children.
“The foundation is ready to admit and repair as many cases of cleft lips condition as we can get.
“The present number of patient is below the expected required number. We urge to mothers and caregivers to bring their children for intervention,” he said.
According to him, people have false beliefs that clefts are caused by demons or witchcraft, and that some of these children were abandoned to die.
He explained that people should not hide children with such condition, adding that everything that has to do with surgery, care and transportation of the patient is free.
Also speaking, Mrs Victoria Ogundipe, the Senior Programme Manager, West Africa, Smile Train stated that
She described Smile Train as the world’s largest cleft-focused organization, with a sustainable and local model of supporting surgery and other forms of essential care.
According to her, the organization is partnering with UITH to ensure every child with the condition receives care.
She lamented that some children don’t live to see their first birthday, due to the stigma and neglect they face, adding that the congenital condition can be corrected surgically free of charge.
Ogundipe appeal to mothers and care givers to bring their children with these conditions for free repairs.
Dr Adeyemi Moshood, an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon at UITH explained that the rally is to sensitize people on facial congenital problem, adding that people have started coming out to seek help as a result of the rally.
He added that one in every 1,700 live births come down with the condition, and that people should endeavour to bring thier children to the teaching hospital.
