Operation Smile South Africa puts team together to help kids in Mpumalanga smile

JOHANNESBURG – A smile introduces you to any space.

For a child growing up with an unrepaired cleft, having to sound and look different from their peers can be a blow to their self-esteem.

The incidence of cleft lip and cleft palate in SA is estimated to be 0.3/1,000 live births, with research conducted by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) showing a greater prevalence of babies born with cleft conditions to mothers living in areas with high levels of air pollution during their pregnancy.

"Although we still don’t know exactly what causes these conditions, there are many known risk factors that can increase the likelihood of a baby being born with cleft lip or cleft palate. Genetics and family history, pre-existing medical conditions, poor nutrition and exposure to harmful environmental substances, for example, smoke inhalation from cooking over an open fire, can affect the healthy development of an unborn baby," said Coordinator of Programme Operations for Operation Smile, Fiola Lujabe.

Hoping to make a difference in the lives of 30 children and young adults, Operation Smile South Africa partnered with the Mpumalanga Department of Health, MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet, and a dedicated team of medical volunteers from various regions of South Africa, to conduct a surgical programme at Rob Ferreira Hospital in Mbombela between 17 – 19 May 2024.

"It’s such a blessing to be part of a team that truly changes people's lives. Each surgical programme reminds me of what is truly important in life: helping others and appreciating all the things we take for granted, like having a normal, healthy child. My favourite moment on each programme is when the parents see their child directly after surgery for the first time, tears of joy that they don't need to hide their child from society any longer," said volunteer dentist, Dr Marius van der Walt.

Spearheaded by Rob Ferreira Hospital's head of dental, Van der Walt, the hospital will also provide dental care for any child up to 12-years-old requiring treatment, with patients seen on a first-come-first-serve basis between 8am and 3pm on the weekend of 18 and 19 May.

Globally, cleft conditions are among the most common birth defects, posing serious health and psychological challenges when left untreated. Patients require multiple surgeries as the child grows and the mouth develops.

"The psychological impact of living with an unrepaired cleft is serious for the child and their family. Parents of our patients report on the trauma of giving birth to a child who looks different and has difficulty feeding. In some communities, where the causes of cleft are not well understood, the mother can be ostracised and blamed for the child’s condition," said Lujabe.

Operation Smile South Africa has been delivering cleft care since 2006, working in provinces where early access to cleft care is severely limited for patients relying on the public health system.  

"This year marks my second participation in the Operation Smile programme in Mpumalanga. Working with children holds a special place in my heart, particularly when it comes to operations like repairing cleft lips and palates. These procedures, though relatively straightforward with expert care, can make a profound difference in the lives of both the patients and their families. Witnessing the emotional and physical transformation in these individuals is immensely rewarding and reaffirms my passion for being an anesthesiologist," said volunteer anesthesiologist, Dr Caroline Robertson.

This year, they will perform life-altering surgeries during weekend surgical programmes in Mpumalanga, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape.

"The Operation Smile programme involves a diverse team of professionals. Together, we collaborate to provide comprehensive care and transform these children's and their families' lives. It's incredibly inspiring to be surrounded by such compassionate and dedicated individuals it truly embodies the essence of humanity," said Dr Robertson.

Volunteer medical professionals, including plastic and reconstructive surgeons, anaesthesiologists, paediatricians, nurses, dentists, and therapists, work alongside Rob Ferreira Hospital staff to deliver compassionate care to patients and their families, free of charge.

"The cost runs into several hundreds of thousands of rands and increases depending on the severity of the condition and how many surgeries are required. Operation Smile, together with our team of medical volunteers, in partnership with the provincial Department of Health and supported by our generous donors, is able to offer these surgeries at no cost to families without the means to pay for this surgery," said Lujabe.