Operation Smile

Earlier this month, Operation Smile Ethiopia hosted a #breastfeeding awareness event at Jimma University Medical Center (JUMC), bringing together over 30 mothers and caregivers of children with cleft conditions. The event, featuring local medical leaders, aimed to highlight the health benefits of breastfeeding, emphasize the importance of support, and provide essential resources to help these families navigate the unique challenges they face.     Our Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Director, Abiy Semunigus (MSC, MPH,PhD Fellow), opened the event by discussing our commitment to enhancing breastfeeding practices and the comprehensive support we offer to mothers and caregivers. Dr. Hunde Ahmed, a pediatrician and Chief Clinical Officer at JUMC, underscored the crucial role of breastfeeding in infants' growth and health, highlighting its integration into our #nutrition interventions. Additionally, nutritionist Mohammed Abubeker and Dr. Aneso Mohammed (MD, Pediatrician), both Operation Smile volunteers, shared valuable insights on techniques specifically tailored for children with cleft conditions, empowering attendees with the knowledge and tools needed for their breastfeeding journey.     We are deeply grateful everyone involved in this event for their invaluable contributions. Together, we can continue to provide essential nutritional care and breastfeeding counseling to our patients and their families.      #OperationSmile #365daysofcare #NationalBreastfeedingMonth

Last month, on July 25, Operation Smile, in collaboration with the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons and the Ministry Of Health, Ghana, hosted a virtual event discussing Ghana’s national surgical, obstetric, and anesthesia plans. The session, which attracted over a hundred participants including doctors, surgeons, critical care nurses, biomedical engineers, and anesthesiologists from across Ghana, was both highly interactive and educational. Our Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer, Dr. Ruben Ayala, played a key role with a presentation on the World Health Organization's Integrated Emergency Critical Operative Care Resolution and its integration into national health plans. Delivered from the perspective of a humanitarian organization, Dr. Ayala focused on enhancing access, availability, and quality of surgical care for children with cleft conditions as part of broader #healthsystem support. He emphasized that addressing widespread population needs requires collaboration among emergency, critical, and operative care services, which are vital components of a comprehensive primary #healthcare system. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the speakers, including Professor Afua Hesse, Dr. Dela Dovlo, and Dr. John Nkrumah Mills, as well as to everyone who attended and contributed to the event’s success. Together, we can continue to advance and strengthen health systems. #OperationSmile #HealthforAll #ECOcare

We’re excited to share this insightful blog post by Ashley Myles, MSW, our Senior Program Manager of Nutrition and Comprehensive Care, which highlights the crucial role of #breastfeeding support for children with cleft conditions. At Operation Smile, we understand the unique challenges these infants and their families face and are committed to providing the specialized care and education needed to address them. Healthcare professionals like Tereza Sigaud Soares Palmeira play a crucial role in these efforts. As an Operation Smile pediatrician, Regional Medical Officer, and #nutrition volunteer from Brazil, Tereza has been instrumental in advancing breastfeeding education within our organization. Over the past year, she has led specialized training sessions for more than 30 nutrition volunteers, equipping them with the skills to support caregivers in their regions. Through these trainings and workshops, Tereza and her colleagues are significantly enhancing the care available to families, ensuring they receive comprehensive support throughout their breastfeeding journeys and improving outcomes for our patients born with cleft conditions. We extend our thanks to Ashley Myles, MSW for crafting this impactful article, which showcases our ongoing efforts in providing breastfeeding support. Read more about it here: https://lnkd.in/e5y4pYp4 #OperationSmile #365DaysofCare #NationalBreastfeedingMonth

We are honored to share that the United Nations Global Surgery Learning Hub has recognized our AmoSmile collaboration as the Community of Practice Highlight for August 2024!  Developed originally through the Global Surgery Training Challenge by Intuitive Foundation, MIT Solve and ChallengeWorks, AmoSmile is a partnership between Operation Smile and Amodisc ltd that combines clinical expertise and advanced technology to enhance #surgicaleducation. Our goal is to build #healthcare providers' skills in local flap surgeries, which are essential for treating burns, trauma, cancer and congenital conditions. By offering high-quality, freely accessible training modules, AmoSmile addresses critical surgical needs in low- and middle-income countries and strengthens the reconstructive surgery workforce.    The initiative employs a mixed-methods approach, combining online learning with hands-on practice. Our online curriculum features self-directed learning modules with step-by-step simulations and competency tracking, while a low-cost physical simulator provides practical experience. This integrated approach allows surgical practitioners to master reconstructive techniques, enhancing their skills and impact regardless of their location, specialty or resources.  We extend our heartfelt thanks to Amodisc ltd, The Global Surgery Foundation, United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and our entire team for their invaluable contributions. This recognition underscores the effectiveness of our collaborative efforts and innovative approach in advancing surgical training. Through our partnership, we can continue to improve #surgicalcare and make a lasting impact worldwide.  To access the training curriculum, click here: https://lnkd.in/e6gaJWjX

We are thrilled to share that this week Operation Smile Rwanda hosted its inaugural dental program in Kigali! In partnership with the University of Rwanda, this event brought together a dedicated team of international and local dentists, along with student volunteers, to advance #oralhealth in the community. Through the program, our patients received essential dental services such as cleanings, fillings, extractions, Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) applications, and endodontic procedures, complemented by oral hygiene instructions and tools. The program also featured a crucial educational component for attending dentists and volunteers, including presentations on the benefits of SDF and bioactive materials for pediatric patients, orthognathic surgery, and the role dentists play in treating infants with cleft conditions. Additionally, a workshop on obturator and speech appliance fabrication was conducted to further develop the skills of local practitioners. This comprehensive approach not only provided vital #dentalcare but also laid the foundation for long-term improvements in dental practices and patient outcomes. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the University of Rwanda, Operation Smile Rwanda staff, and all the volunteers who contributed to the success of this program. Together, we are advancing dental care, nurturing the next generation of local #healthcare professionals, and making a lasting impact on oral health and well-being. #OperationSmile #365DaysofCare

Did you know that the first week of August is #WorldBreastfeedingWeek? At Operation Smile, we believe in the transformative power of breastfeeding as the ideal source of nutrition for infants. To honor this important week, we are highlighting the critical role breastfeeding plays in promoting optimal growth, brain development, and long-term health for both mother and child. Globally, an estimated 118,000 malnourished infants and children under five with cleft conditions require medical attention. At Operation Smile, we ensure these children receive the necessary nutrition for safe and effective surgical care through our comprehensive nutrition programs. We provide crucial resources, counseling, and support by partnering with local NGOs, hospitals, and community organizations to meet our patient's needs. This includes robust breastfeeding support and addressing the unique challenges of infants with cleft conditions through education on effective techniques, milk expression, and alternative feeding methods when direct breastfeeding isn’t possible. To learn more about this topic, we invite you to watch our “Basic Introductions: Breastfeeding an Infant” webinar. This session will offer valuable insights into the benefits of breastfeeding, address common challenges, and provide practical advice for supporting mothers and infants. Watch the webinar here: https://lnkd.in/es3ETi3M #OperationSmile #WBW24 #NationalBreastfeedingMonth #365daysofcare

Join us on August 12 at 2:00 PM UTC for an enlightening Operation Smile Academy live #webinar featuring our Chief Health Policy and Advocacy Officer, Dr. Ruben Ayala. In this session, titled "Global Surgery Unveiled: Its Crucial Role and Far-Reaching Effects," Dr. Ayala will share his extensive experience and provide valuable insights on the significant contributions of #globalsurgery within #globalhealth. Discover how global surgery addresses #healthcare disparities, enhances surgical care worldwide, and improves patient outcomes and community well-being!       Register for the webinar here: https://lnkd.in/eZBvNUVX     Sign up for an Operation Smile Academy account to receive a certificate of attendance: https://lnkd.in/egH3ZCDh  

We’re excited to share that our Program Strategy Writer, Katherine Zeveleva, has written an inspiring blog post titled "Beyond Surgery: Inspiring Moments with Operation Smile in Peru." This piece captures the essence and impact of our mission during a recent surgical program in Lima, highlighting how we address the needs of our patients and create lasting change in the communities we serve.    In her article, Katherine reflects on the significant challenges faced by families traveling from remote regions to access the care they need. Many of our patients around the world endure long, difficult journeys to obtain essential medical services. At Operation Smile, we are committed to bridging these gaps and increasing access to care through the dedicated efforts of our staff and volunteers.    The article also emphasizes that our commitment goes beyond just providing care. It highlights our focus on advancing #healthcare through #education. By investing in the #training and #mentorship of local healthcare workers, we not only enhance their ability to deliver high-quality care but also ensure a sustainable, long-lasting impact on #healthsystems. This approach helps us reach more patients and brings care closer to communities.    Thank you, Katherine, for capturing the heart of our work and its impact. Read her full article to explore these inspiring moments and see how Operation Smile is transforming lives and strengthening healthcare systems: https://lnkd.in/esxqksKt     #OperationSmile #HealthforAll

Last week, Operation Smile hosted its 32nd annual International Student Leadership Conference (ISLC) at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. From July 22 to 28, over 350 participants from 28 countries came together for this transformative event, supported by our title sponsor Align Technology. Under the theme "The Power Within," the conference aimed to inspire attendees to harness their potential and drive meaningful change in their communities. Throughout the week, participants enhanced their #leadership and #advocacy skills through enriching talks, creative activities, and collaborative workshops. They delved into key topics like medical education and #globalhealth, engaged in skill-building sessions, and listened to personal stories from teens born with cleft conditions. These experiences deepened their understanding of our mission and equipped them with the tools to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our patients and their communities in their home countries. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of this conference, including our dedicated student volunteers, whose involvement underscores the vital role young leaders play in fostering positive change. Special thanks to Maggie Doyne of BlinkNow, Robert I., Monica Bachue, Angela Li, Stuart Hockridge, and all the representatives from Align Technology, Johnson & Johnson, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta for their invaluable contributions. #OperationSmile #ISLC2024 #YouthEmpowerment

Earlier this month, a dedicated team of Operation Smile patient advocates visited Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., to support the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA). This important legislation aims to ensure that all private insurance groups and individual health care plans cover medically necessary services for congenital conditions. While in D.C., our team participated in a training day at the advocacy conference hosted by the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias (NFED). The sessions offered valuable updates on research, strategies for effective communication with dentists, self-care tips, and Capitol Hill advocacy techniques. Attendees explored the bill's history, learned how to engage with Congress, and emphasized the significance of sharing personal patient stories. Following the training, over 250 delegates from the NFED Conference met with congressional offices. They shared heartfelt stories about their challenges in obtaining insurance coverage. These personal narratives, combined with the efforts of advocates and supporters nationwide, were pivotal in raising awareness and advancing this crucial legislation. Special thanks to Jackson Doane, Ethan Richlak, Amy Leah Potter, Ruben Ayala, Tiffany Boada, and all our patient advocates who attended. We also extend our gratitude to Representative Jen Kiggans and the congressional office staff we met. Together, we can drive change and ensure that this essential coverage is available for those who need it. #OperationSmile #EnsuringLastingSmilesAct #ELSA #HealthforAll