Every July, South Africa takes time to focus on children born with cleft lips, cleft palates, and other facial conditions. These aren’t just medical terms – they represent real children whose lives can be completely transformed with the right care.
More than just appearance
When baby Anzelle from Bellville was born with a cleft palate, her mother Nicole’s first thought wasn’t about how it looked. “When I first saw her, I didn’t care about the cleft, I was just so happy to meet my baby,” Nicole says. “I knew God would make a way.”
This month, leading hospitals like Tygerberg Hospital and Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital are working with the Smile Foundation to spread an important message: these surgeries save and change lives.
“These are not just cosmetic procedures, they are life-saving and life-changing,” explains Professor Nick Kairinos, Head of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Tygerberg Hospital.
The numbers tell a story
Cleft lip and cleft palate affect about on in every 2 000 African children. This happens when parts of the upper lip or roof of the mouth don’t form properly before birth.
Without treatment, these children face serious problems such as difficulty eating and drinking, frequent ear infections and hearing loss, speech delays, dental problems and social challenges as they grow up.
Complex cases need expert care
Some conditions require even more specialized treatment. Three-year-old Caleb from Blue Downs needed surgery for craniosynostosis – a condition where skull bones fuse too early. This affects about one in every 2 500 children.
“I was scared and confused when I first heard the diagnosis,” says his mother Rufaro. “But the care and expertise we received gave me strength and hope.”
These surgeries are incredibly complex. “We remove parts of the skull, reshape them, and place them back to protect the brain and allow normal growth,” Professor Kairinos explains. “It requires neurosurgeons and plastic surgeons working together.”
Hope through partnership
South Africa’s tertiary hospitals now perform more operations for birth defects than any other hospitals in the country. This success comes from dedicated doctors who volunteer their time during special “Smile Weeks” supported by the Smile Foundation.
What parents should know
Both Nicole and Rufaro want other parents to know there’s hope. Rufaro’s advice is simple: “If you notice anything unusual in your baby’s face or head shape, speak to your healthcare provider. Early help can make all the difference.”
The earlier these conditions are spotted, the better the outcome. Many are identified before birth or right after delivery, allowing doctors to plan treatment immediately.
Building a system of hope
Today, Anzelle and Caleb are thriving. Their surgeries didn’t just fix a medical condition – they restored their ability to eat, speak, and smile without pain.
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness celebrates the medical teams and partners who give children these second chances. Together, they’re building a healthcare system that offers hope to every family facing these challenges.
This July, as we mark National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month, the message is clear: with early diagnosis, expert care, and community support, every child can have the chance to live a full, healthy life.
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