01 Nov, 2022
In November 2022, the Oral Health Advocacy Initiative (OHAI), in collaboration with Smile Train, USA, brought hope and transformation to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and vulnerable women and children through its Free Cleft Surgery Program. This impactful initiative provided life-changing surgeries for over 100 cleft patients across three IDP camps in Borno State: Dalori Camp II, Konduga Camp, and Bakasi Camp.
The program was designed to address the significant challenges faced by individuals born with cleft lip and palate, conditions that often result in social stigma, difficulty in eating or speaking, and limited access to medical care in displaced communities. By focusing on IDPs and vulnerable populations, OHAI ensured that the program reached those who needed it most, offering a rare opportunity for surgical care to individuals with little to no access to healthcare services.
Each camp witnessed the arrival of OHAI’s dedicated medical team, which included surgeons, nurses, and counselors trained to handle cleft cases with precision and compassion. The program began with thorough screenings to identify patients eligible for surgery. Following the procedures, the patients received post-operative care and counseling to ensure a smooth recovery and reintegration into their communities with newfound confidence.
In addition to providing free surgeries, the initiative offered education on oral health and cleft care, equipping families with knowledge to support long-term health and well-being. Beneficiaries expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to receive care that would have otherwise been impossible.
One mother, Fatima Ibrahim, shared her heartfelt story: “My son was born with a cleft, and I feared he would never lead a normal life. Today, thanks to OHAI, he has a chance to smile without fear. Words cannot express my joy.”
The program’s success exemplifies the power of partnerships in addressing health disparities. Smile Train, USA, played a pivotal role in providing resources, training, and funding that enabled OHAI to carry out this ambitious project.
OHAI reaffirmed its commitment to expanding the Free Cleft Surgery Program to other underserved regions in Nigeria, striving to bring smiles to more faces and hope to more hearts. This initiative highlights the importance of accessible healthcare and the transformative impact of addressing the unique needs of marginalized communities.
01 Nov, 2022
30 Nov, 2022
+234 803 705 4557
info@ohaiafrica.org
IDP camps in Borno State: Dalori Camp II, Konduga Camp, and Bakasi Camp.