Smile Train opens new centre in Ghana to increase access to cleft care

Smile Train Vice- President and Regional Director for Africa Ms Nkeiruka Obi and Smile Train President and Chief Executive Officer Susannah Schaefer receive an honorary plaque from the Chairman of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Board Nana Prof Oheneba Boachie-Adjei Woahene II Otumfo Hiahene during the launch of the National Cleft Care Center – A Smile Train Cleft Leadership Center in Kumasi Ghana. [Courtesy]

Smile Train has opened its new centre at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, Ghana.

The state-of-the-art Cleft Leadership Center aims to elevate cleft care delivery in Ghana and across the Sub-Saharan Africa region.

Susannah Schaefer, President and CEO of Smile Train said the nearly 30-thousand square foot building makes it the largest cleft care center on the continent.

According to her, treatment capacity at KATH is expected to increase by more than 5 times (from 220 to 800) and surgical training capacity by 6 times (3 to18), directly addressing the urgent need for cleft care in Ghana where approximately 700 babies are born with a cleft each year.

“The center is the result of a four-way partnership between Smile Train, Ghana’s Ministry of Health, the Ghana Cleft Foundation, and KATH. Together, this coalition will unlock access to quality cleft care and training on an unprecedented scale,” she said.

She added, “The impact of this center will be immediate and far-reaching. It means many more children will receive the life-changing care they need, and it means there will now be a steady supply of trained professionals who can carry this work forward for generations. This is how we create lasting change: by building capacity and empowering local health systems to lead the way.”

Ms Schaefer in a statement to newsrooms said many families across Ghana and neighboring countries face significant barriers to accessing high-quality and timely comprehensive cleft care.

Ghana Cleft Foundation Choir comprising beneficiaries of cleft treatment performed at the launch of the National Cleft Care Center. [Courtesy]

“Smile Train’s new CLC will not only expand regional cleft surgical capacity but also serve as a hub for interdisciplinary training in cleft treatment, from surgery to dental care to speech therapy and more,” she said.

 Her sentiments were echoed by Prof Peter Donkor, President of Ghana Cleft Foundation, who said the groundbreaking center will be a benchmark of quality surgical capacity in Africa and is a shining example of how Smile Train’s partnership-based model works.

“The opening of the National Cleft Care Center in Ghana exemplifies the long-term impact of investing in local health systems. This collaboration will help ensure that every child with a cleft has the opportunity to live a full, happy, and healthy life,” he said.