Cleft lip patients in BCM to benefit from visit
OPERATION SMILE South Africa (OSSA) will be in Buffalo City Metro next Tuesday, to raise awareness around children born with cleft lip or cleft palates and to talk about how patients can access free surgery.
Founded in 2006, Operation Smile South Africa (OSSA) joined Operation Smile Inc as its 25th partner country. Based in Cape Town, OSSA medical volunteers provide free surgery to children and adults throughout Southern and Central Africa, as well as educational and training opportunities that promote sustainability and self-sufficiency throughout the region.
“I will be visiting clinics and health promoters across the province as we seek to make people aware of the fact that we can help them and their children,” programme coordinator for Operation Smile South Africa, Itumeleng Ramano, said.
Since that momentous occasion, OSSA has travelled the length and breadth of Africa and are proud that as they enter their 10th anniversary, they have carried out more than 6000 surgeries.
OSSA celebrates its 10th anniversary in September and celebrations culminate with a medical mission to Mbombela, Mpumulanga beginning on September 27. “We will bring the patients that we register through this campaign to Mbombela where they will receive surgery as well as have their accommodation and transport costs all paid for by the organisation,” Ramano said
Operation Smile is a not-for-profit (NPO) medical humanitarian charity, that is dedicated to helping improve the health and lives of children and young adults. The aim is to provide free, safe reconstructive surgery to those born with cleft lip, cleft palate and facial deformities.
Potential patients and anyone interested in the campaign can contact the organisation through its toll-free number 08000-Smile (080-007-6453) or contact them via e-mail Itumeleng.Ramano@operationsmile.org or visit them on their Facebook page Operation Smile South Africa.
