79 patients benefit from free cleft surgery in celebration of World Smile Day

Mary Edang from Samburu County holds her 5-month-old son Brayden Lonyalik at the St Francis Community Hospital as they wait for his free cleft lip surgery supported by Smile Train and the Kenya Society of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons KSPRAS. [Courtesy, Smile Train]

Some 79 patients on Friday underwent a free cleft surgery in line with this year's World Smile Day.

The surgeries were conducted by Smile Train in collaboration with the Kenya Society of Plastic and Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (KSPRAS) at St Francis Community Hospital, in Nairobi.

Speaking during the celebrations, Africa Smile Train Senior communications manager Emily Manjeru underscored the need for partnering with local hospitals to bring treatments closer to patients.

"As we commemorate World Smile Day, we are proud to have partnered with St Francis Community Hospital and KSPRAS to transform the lives of 79 beneficiaries coming from various parts of Kenya," she said.

Manjeru said through such partner networks, Smile Train continues to raise awareness that no child should live with untreated clefts.

On his part KSPRAS President and Thematic Head Department of Plastic Surgery University of Nairobi Prof Ferdinand Nangole noted that the cleft week which took place from 30th September to 4th October was a great success.

According to him, the University continues to train highly skilled surgeons to provide quality cleft care.

"We still have a great need for qualified professionals to enhance safe, timely and quality surgical care in the community. We are delighted that the awareness created for the cleft week at St Francis transformed many lives and also gave our resident surgeons a practical experience in the community," said Prof Nangole.

In Kenya, Smile Train led various celebrations including a family fun day at the Bela Risu Medical Centre.

This year, in honour of its 25th anniversary under the theme of "Lighting up the World with Smiles," Smile Train said it aims to break the record for the most landmarks illuminated in a 24-hour period, with the current record standing at 56.

Landmarks set to shine brightly in support of Smile Train include the iconic BT Tower in London, the magnificent Gateway of India, the Rizal Monument in the Philippines, and numerous landmarks across the United States, including the famed Empire State Building in New York City and the GTC Tower in Nairobi.

Always falling on the first Friday of October, World Smile Day is a holiday devoted to smiles and acts of kindness.

First celebrated in 1999, World Smile Day seeks to reclaim the original meaning and intent of the iconic smiley face image by encouraging people to act kindly and make others smile.

As supporters rally to take part in this global celebration, Smile Train encourages everyone to share their smiles and spread joy, highlighting the crucial work they are doing to sponsor free cleft surgery and other essential care for children in need.