Herald Reporter
ABOUT 24 to 28 children with cleft lip and palate are expected to receive free corrective surgery at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital this weekend, as the medical initiative marks its 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, expanding access to specialised treatment for children whose families might otherwise struggle to meet the costs.
The programme is being facilitated by Providence Human Capital, 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.
The surgeries are scheduled to begin at 7.30am daily from October 30 to November 1 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 important 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.400 children benefit as free cleft surgery camp returns.
