Smile Train Partners Scottish KidsOR to Reach 12,000 Children
Sunday Ehigiator
No fewer than 12,000 children are set to benefit from a partnership between Smile Train, world largest free cleft/palate care provider, and Scottish charity, Kids Operating Room (KidsOR), which has led to an upgrade of major hospitals across Nigeria.
A recent statement from Smile Train’s Vice President, and Regional Director, Africa, Mrs. Nkeiruka Obi, revealed that the partnership has led to an upgrade of the Armed Forces Specialist Hospital, Kano; Lagos University Teaching Hospital; and National Orthopedic Hospital Enugu.
According to her, “the state-of-the-art pediatric operating rooms and recovery ward have been outfitted with the latest medical equipment as well as colorful wall art of animals, trains, and balloons designs that are meant to transform the often-intimidating environment of an operating room into a welcoming, child-friendly space that enhances the healing experience.
“Together with KidsOR, we aim to transform the lives of 12,000 children in Africa by the end of 2021. Let us collectively ensure that our patients always come first and are given high standards of treatment regardless of their socio-economic status.”
Speaking further, Obi said the COVID-19 pandemic had upturned healthcare systems all over the world, and brought gaps in the health systems to the fore, exacerbating inequities in Nigeria’s fragile health systems.
According to her, before the pandemic, an estimated 1.7 billion children lacked access to safe, affordable surgical care.
“This staggering number includes children with clefts; a common congenital anomaly that impacts an average of one in 700 babies and requires a range of multidisciplinary care in addition to surgery.
“In Nigeria, the impact of the pandemic on babies born with clefts makes it clear we cannot delay investing in strong health systems.
“Cleft is a stigmatising birth difference in which a child is born with a gap between the lips that at times extends to, or is isolated from, the roof of the mouth called the palate.
“A child born with cleft experiences difficulty breathing, eating and speaking. With treatment, children with clefts can overcome these challenges to live a happy, healthy life.
“Cleft treatment, however, requires a holistic, patient-centered approach. As a global organisation that has been in existence for the past 21 years and in Nigeria for the last decade, Smile Trains model is rooted in empowering medical professionals with training, funding and resources to ensure that quality cleft care is as close to their doorsteps as possible.”
She however harped on the need to continue advocating for the rights to quality, affordable healthcare especially among children, and the welfare of Nigerian healthcare providers.
