Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
After a decade of operating in the UAE, the children’s charity organisation Smile Train has supported more than 640,000 individuals affected by clefts across the Middle East and India, according to Afaf Meky, Executive Manager at Smile Train Dubai.
Founded 25 years ago in New York, Smile Train established its Dubai branch in 2014 to support and further expand its Comprehensive Cleft Care treatment to countries in the Middle East and Asia.
Through its sustainable, community-based model, the charity has facilitated over 2 million free cleft surgeries worldwide. In an interview with Aletihad, Meky highlighted the organisation’s commitment to providing safe, cost-effective cleft care globally.
Smile Train’s model involves identifying communities in need, then establishing partnerships with local hospitals and health centres and providing funding and training for their staff to cleft care locally.
To ensure that each patient receives the highest-quality care, Smile Train employs a thorough assessment process, evaluating each case individually both pre- and post-treatment, Meky explained.
The non-profit organisation has also taken on a leading role in advocating for cleft care to be integrated into health policies at national and local community levels, partnering with governments and stakeholders to expand access and strengthen health systems, she added.
A cleft occurs when certain structures in the body do not fuse during pregnancy, resulting in a common birth difference affecting the lip and/or the roof of the mouth.
Due to poverty, limited awareness, and insufficient medical resources, many children with clefts risk never receiving the reconstructive surgery they need to eat, breathe, speak, and thrive.
Alarmingly, another baby with a cleft is born every three minutes, according to Smile Train.
Recognising that cleft patients often require more than just surgery, Smile Train has worked to improve the availability and quality of non-surgical cleft care.
“Since it requires so much more than a single surgery to heal a cleft, we also support local, specialised nutritional programmes, speech therapy, dentistry and orthodontics, and psychological support,” Meky said.
The impact of Smile Train’s work is best illustrated through the heartfelt testimonials of families whose lives have been changed through its initiatives.
A Filipino family recounted the turmoil they faced upon learning of their child’s cleft condition: “We were confused and worried and overwhelmed by the uncertainty of what lay ahead,” a family member said.
After learning about Smile Train through their paediatrician, they sought help and found hope.
“Thanks to Smile Train, we get to see our child live their life to the fullest. Their smile is now complete, which has brought so much joy to our family.”
A Syrian mother recounted how Smile Train facilitated the first cleft palate surgery for her now 3-year-old toddler when she was a little over a year old.
With the organisation’s unwavering support, she feels confident about her daughter’s future.
“I am happy with the result of my baby’s recovery today; even though she still has a second operation pending, I don’t feel nervous or scared anymore.”
An Indian family also shared their experience, “One of our biggest fears was how her drinking milk would be affected and how she would endure the pain of surgery. But the Smile Train team guided us with feeding tips for her and explained the surgery process which helped subside the fear in our hearts.”
Their daughter is now on her way to recovery, and the family feels a renewed sense of hope.
The overarching goal of Smile Train is to continue providing access to safe, high-quality essential cleft care for communities in need worldwide.
Through its branch in the UAE, the charity aims to empower the local and regional community to support those in need.
“Whether through charitable donations, awareness campaigns, or financial contributions, Smile Train remains committed to empowering policymakers, healthcare professionals, and centres to deliver essential cleft care services to individuals who would otherwise lack access,” Meky said.
