Description
Spreading Smiles: Al-Mustafau2019s Free Cleft Surgery Project
Caring for Children with Cleft Conditions
Al-Mustafau2019s Cleft Project is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and long-term care for underprivileged children with congenital cleft lip and palate defects. Each year, we perform up to 1,000 free surgeries, having successfully completed over 62,542 procedures in the past 18 years at our hospitals and outreach camps.
The Challenge of Cleft Defects
Cleft lip and palate are among the most common birth defects, with approximately 9,000 children born with these conditions in Pakistan each year. Affected children often face difficulties breastfeeding, leading to chronic malnutrition, while untreated cases can result in speech impediments, dental issues, and social stigma, as families and communities may ostracize them.
Holistic Care Solutions
Since 2007, Al-Mustafa Welfare Society has offered free surgeries for children from low-income families at our hospitals and various camps across Pakistan. Alongside surgical treatment, we provide essential services such as speech therapy, dental care, ENT treatments, and psychological support, ensuring comprehensive care for our patients in urban, suburban, and rural areas.
Long-Term Benefits and Awareness
While our primary goal is to provide necessary surgeries, we are also committed to raising awareness through print, electronic, and digital platforms. Our holistic approach encompasses treatments such as Naso-alveolar moulding (NAM), speech therapy, and orthodontics, combined with training for medical professionals. By encouraging the integration of cleft-affected children into schools, we promote their socio-economic development and acceptance within society.
