Herald Reporter
AROUND 28 children with cleft lips and palates are expected to receive free corrective surgery at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital this weekend, marking the medical initiative’s 15th surgical camp since 2023.
The latest camp, running from Friday to Sunday, will bring the total number of surgeries performed under the initiative to more than 400. This expands access to specialised treatment for children whose families might otherwise struggle to meet the costs.
Providence Human Capital is facilitating the programme in partnership with Innscor Africa Limited, through its Empower Tomorrow initiative, the Global Cleft and Cranio-Facial Foundation, and Sally Mugabe Central Hospital.
A team of local specialists, including plastic and reconstructive surgeons, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, anaesthesiologists, and nurses, will conduct the procedures.
Surgeries are scheduled to begin at 7.30am daily from 30 October to 1 November at the hospital’s paediatric surgical unit and theatre.
Beyond the operations, beneficiaries will receive post-operative care, feeding support, and counselling at no cost to their families.
Cleft lip and palate are congenital conditions that can affect a child’s appearance, feeding, and speech, making access to appropriate medical care vital for their health and development.
The surgical camps provide an opportunity for affected children to receive corrective treatment through the combined efforts of medical specialists, healthcare institutions, and private-sector partners.
