Cleft palate: Korle-Bu Hospital partners Operation Smile to offer free surgeries - Channel1 News

The Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital is calling for more collaboration. They want to expand cleft palate surgeries in Ghana.

Recently, the National Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit worked with Operation Smile. Together, they performed successful surgeries that changed children's lives. These procedures help children whose speech has been affected by cleft palate.

Cleft palate is a congenital condition affecting many children worldwide. It impacts their quality of life by hindering speech, eating, and social interaction. In Ghana, efforts are underway to provide surgical interventions for those affected.

The National Plastic Reconstructive Unit at Korle Bu is leading this initiative. They offer free surgical treatment to children with cleft palate. Emily, an anesthesiologist and volunteer from Operation Smile, expressed concern about stigmatization. Many children do not seek help because they feel ashamed.

Dr. Opoku Ware Ampomah leads the National Plastic Reconstructive Unit at Korle Bu. He urges parents with affected children to take advantage of this opportunity. "Help is available in Ghana," he said.

He mentioned that assistance is just a few calls away. Operation Smile has a contact line for easy access to help. They also provide free transport for the child and guardian if needed.

Dr. Ampomah called for more investment in healthcare facilities across the country. This would allow decentralization of surgical procedures like these.

Nicholas Hierra, Surgeon and Team Lead for Operation Smile, highlighted Ghana's leadership role in Africa. He stated that Ghana provides free cleft palate surgeries effectively.

"It's one of the few teams globally providing advanced speech treatment," he added.