What is Cleft?
A cleft is an opening in the lip or palate that occurs early in pregnancy where the developing facial structure does not close completely. A cleft occurs in the upper lip and can be on either side, both sides, or in the middle. The cleft may also extend into the nose. A cleft palate is an opening in the roof of the mouth. Cleft lip and palate can occur together or separately. Cleft is one of the most common congenital birth defects in the world, occurring on average in 1 of every 700 live births
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How Cleft Impacts Lives
Living with an untreated cleft can have a profound and lasting impact on a child and their family. Studies have shown that living with any facial difference can have a negative impact on mental health and overall quality of life.
Untreated cleft lip/palate can also have serious consequences for a child’s physical health and development, and put children at greater risk for malnutrition, poor health, and poverty. The challenges of cleft lip and palate begin at birth and can be life-long.
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What We Do?
Global Smile Foundation transforms the lives of children born with cleft lip/palate by providing comprehensive cleft care in underserved areas of the world and empowering healthcare providers in those areas to continue our work after our programs end. When patients receive the proper care for cleft lip/palate, they are able to overcome the physical, mental, and socio-economic burdens that would other limit their lives.
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