Smile Train Expands Cleft Care in Africa
On June 25, 2025, in a groundbreaking ceremony held at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, Ghana, Smile Train, the leading global organization focused on cleft care, proudly inaugurated the Cleft Leadership Center (CLC). This remarkable facility has been recognized as Africa's largest cleft center, aiming to transform the landscape of cleft treatment in the region.
This new center, which spans nearly 30,000 square feet, stands as a testimony to the partnership among Smile Train, Ghana’s Ministry of Health, the Ghana Cleft Foundation, and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. What sets this center apart is its projected increase in treatment capacity—from around 150 to an impressive 850 patients annually, signaling a major leap in the availability of surgical care for infants born with clefts, a condition affecting roughly 700 newborns in Ghana each year.
The coalition behind the CLC is focused on addressing the pressing need for comprehensive cleft care across not just Ghana, but the entire Sub-Saharan region. Susannah Schaefer, President and CEO of Smile Train, highlighted the center's immediate and far-reaching impact, emphasizing how it will not only enhance the quality of care but also empower local health systems through the training of health professionals. "This is how we create lasting change,” she stated.
The CLC represents more than just an increase in surgical capacity; it is set to become a hub for interdisciplinary training. Medical specialists will receive training not only in surgical techniques but also in crucial aspects such as dental care and speech therapy. This comprehensive approach ensures that the many facets of cleft treatment are addressed under one roof, which is vital for the holistic recovery of patients.
Prof. Peter Donkor, President of the Ghana Cleft Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "This groundbreaking center will be a benchmark of quality surgical capacity in Africa and exemplifies the impact of partners working toward a common goal. Every child born with a cleft deserves a chance to lead a joyful life."
The facility aims to increase its capabilities significantly from previously treating approximately 100 cleft surgery patients annually to supporting up to 500 surgery patients and providing comprehensive care services to an estimated 350 individuals. Services include nutritional education, psychosocial support, and orthodontics, greatly enhancing the quality of life for those affected by clefts.
As the Acting CEO of KATH, Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo remarked, "This partnership marks a significant milestone in our commitment to bolster Ghana's healthcare infrastructure and expand access to specialized care. Not only will the National Cleft Care Center serve children and families better, but it will also cultivate future cleft care providers and enhance research endeavors."
The opening of the National Cleft Care Center underscores Smile Train's unwavering commitment to bolstering high-quality cleft care. It forms part of Smile Train's broader network of Cleft Leadership Centers globally. By targeting both immediate needs and sustainable solutions, the center is poised to become a beacon of hope for countless children and families grappling with the challenges of cleft-related health issues.
Smile Train continues to empower local medical professionals through training, resources, and funding to deliver free cleft surgeries and comprehensive treatment to children worldwide. This model promises both immediate and lasting impacts for children, enhancing their ability to eat, breathe, and speak, thus paving the way for them to thrive.
For further details about Smile Train's sustainable initiatives and how they are making a positive difference in the lives of countless children, visit
smiletrain.org.