Africazine:
Operation Smile South Africa is set to provide free surgeries for children with cleft conditions this May.
The initiative targets children aged six months to 12 years, offering screenings and assessments for possible access to life-changing surgeries at Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital in Johannesburg. The surgical weekend is scheduled from May 29 to 31, aiming to assist up to 40 children.
Free Surgeries for Children in Gauteng
Operation Smile, in collaboration with Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital and Life Healthcare, is addressing the backlog of cleft lip and palate surgeries in Gauteng. This intensive weekend program will not only provide surgeries but also transfer essential skills to surgical trainees.
Sarah Scarth, executive director of Operation Smile South Africa, emphasizes the importance of timely surgery for improving health outcomes in children with cleft conditions. The organization has a history of partnering with government and health institutions to deliver thousands of free surgeries over the past 20 years.
Key Details for Interested Families
Families are encouraged to reach out before the screening day on May 29. The program is specifically for children under 12, but Operation Smile invites cleft patients of all ages to connect for future support and opportunities.
For more information, families can contact Patient Coordinator Dakalo Maguga at 073 577 8786 or via email at infosa@operationsmile.org.
Upcoming Surgical Weekend Schedule
- Surgical weekend: May 29 to 31
- Screenings for children aged six months to 12 years
- Up to 40 surgeries planned
Operation Smile South Africa is transforming lives through free cleft surgeries.
