Cleft lip and cleft palate conditions
Originally published in ThisDayLive by Sylvester Idowu in Warri
Teem Clinic Dental Services Limited, in collaboration with the renowned international charity Smile Train, is embarking on a noble initiative to provide free medical surgeries for children afflicted with cleft lip and cleft palate conditions in Effurun, Warri, and surrounding areas of Delta State, Nigeria.
This endeavor, slated to commence on April 10th, 2024, aims to address these congenital anomalies that can profoundly impact a child’s life.
Cleft lip, a condition where the upper lip fails to form properly, resulting in an opening, and cleft palate, characterized by a gap between the mouth and nose that causes swallowed food to pass through the nasal cavity, are the focal points of this medical intervention. Addressing journalists, Dr. Etetefia Mabel, the Chief Executive Officer of Teem Clinic Dental, emphasized the significance of this three-day event, underscoring the commitment of her facility and Smile Train to deliver essential medical services to underserved populations who endure immense stigmatization and neglect due to these conditions.
“The initiative will offer a wide range of surgeries to correct defects at no cost through the generous support of Smile Train and the dedicated team of professionals at Teem Clinic Dental Services, which have successfully carried out surgery on over 10 individuals who are now happily living in our society, free from that congenital condition that once made life unbearable,” Dr. Etetefia stated.
This free medical surgery marks a significant milestone in the treatment of cleft lip and cleft palate within the local healthcare sector in Delta State. The procedures will take place at Teem Clinic’s facilities located along Refinery Road, Ekpan, in the Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State. Dr. Etetefia emphasized that these conditions are vital aspects of overall well-being, and through this initiative, they hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of community members whose joy of having a newborn has been overshadowed by these challenges.
“It is heartwarming to know that Smile Train, renowned for its global efforts to provide free cleft lip and palate surgeries, has extended its support to include dental services in collaboration with Teem Clinic,” Dr. Etetefia expressed. “The organization’s mission aligns with Teem Dental’s commitment to promoting oral health and improving access to essential medical treatments, specifically in carrying out the correctional surgery of cleft lip/cleft palate.”
She further added, “We are proud to partner with Smile Train to expand the reach of Teem Clinic Dental Services to impact the Effurun/Warri Communities, the whole of Delta State, and beyond.”
This collaborative effort between Teem Clinic Dental Services Limited and Smile Train is a beacon of hope for children and families grappling with the challenges posed by cleft lip and cleft palate conditions. By providing free, comprehensive medical care, this initiative aims to alleviate the physical, emotional, and social burdens associated with these congenital anomalies, paving the way for a brighter future for those affected.