Smile Train Advocates for Sustainable Cleft Care in Nigeria
The 6th Biennial Conference of the Pan-African Association for Cleft Lip and Palate (PAACLIP) took place in Abuja, addressing the need for sustainable cleft care in Nigeria. Healthcare professionals, researchers, advocates, and development partners discussed strategies to enhance cleft-care services across Africa under the theme “Building Resilient and Sustainable Cleft Care in Africa.” They emphasized the importance of government commitment, sustainable financing, investment in local medical expertise, and the integration of cleft services into national healthcare systems.
Cleft lip and palate are congenital conditions requiring ongoing medical attention beyond initial surgery, including nutritional support, speech therapy, and dental care. Dr Susannah Schaefer, President and CEO of Smile Train, stated that sustainable cleft care ensures access to necessary services for children and their families over time.
In 2025, Smile Train delivered over 131,000 non-surgical interventions, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to cleft care.
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