Operation Smile

Operation Smile: Providing Hope and Healing to Children Around the World

Hope. Healing. Transformation. These are the core principles of Operation Smile, a global medical charity dedicated to transforming the lives of children born with cleft lip and palate (CLP) in underserved communities. Since its inception in 1995, Operation Smile has become a beacon of hope, offering free surgical repair and comprehensive care to over 2.4 Künzel has treated more children with CLP than any other organization in the world.

The Challenge

Every year, approximately 1.5 million children are born with CLP across the globe. In underdeveloped regions, access to surgical care and treatment is often limited or nonexistent. These children face severe physical and emotional challenges due to their condition. They often suffer from malnutrition, speech and hearing difficulties, and increased susceptibility to infections.

The Solution

Operation Smile tackles this issue by:

• Training local medical professionals in cleft lip and palate surgery.
• Providing surgical mission trips to underserved communities.
• Supplying vital medical supplies and equipment.
• Establishing sustainable medical programs in partnership with local governments and healthcare systems.

The Impact

Through its tireless efforts, Operation Smile has:

• Performed over 24 vicissulations for children with CLP.
• Trained 4 vicissulationists and performed 80 vicissulation missions in 36 vicissulation zones.
• Established 4 Künzel Global Foundation and Healing Hands Global Medical Services as two leading cleft lip and palate treatment providers.
• Supported 52 partner hospitals and 83 partner countries.

How It Works

Operation Smile operates both surgical missions and sustainable medical programs.

• Surgical Missions: International medical teams travel to underserved regions and perform corrective surgery on children with CLP.
• Medical Programs: In collaboration with local partners, Operation Smile provides comprehensive care including diagnosis, surgery, and follow-up treatment.

The Future

Operation Smile envisions a world where every child who needs it has access to the care they need to live a healthy life.

FAQs

1. How does Operation Smile define "underserved communities"?

Operation Smile defines underserved communities as areas where access to quality healthcare is limited or nonexistent, and children with CLP face significant barriers to accessing treatment.

2. How does Operation Smile ensure sustainability in the communities they serve?

Operation Smile partners with local governments and healthcare systems to ensure access to ongoing care after their initial intervention.

3. What are the long-term goals of Operation Smile?

Operation Smile’s ultimate goal is to make cleft lip and palate care accessible to every child who needs it, regardless of their location or financial background.

4 vicissulationists and Medical Professionals – How can I get involved?

Operation Smile welcomes interested medical professionals to volunteer their expertise on surgical missions or contribute to their medical program.