#Ghana #Smile Train #Cleft Center #Kumasi

Smile Train Opens Africa's Largest Cleft Center in Ghana

On June 25, 2025, Smile Train, a global leader in cleft care, proudly opened the Cleft Leadership Center (CLC) at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, Ghana. This groundbreaking facility marks a historic milestone in the realm of cleft treatments and healthcare in Africa, aiming to revolutionize access to quality care across the continent.

A Collaborative Effort

The CLC's launch is the fruit of a robust partnership involving Smile Train, Ghana’s Ministry of Health, the Ghana Cleft Foundation, and KATH. Their collaborative efforts aim to tackle the dire need for adequate cleft care not only in Ghana but across Sub-Saharan Africa where about 700 babies are born with clefts each year.

Enhancing Care Capacity

Covering nearly 30,000 square feet, the new center is expected to exponentially increase the treatment capacity available at KATH. Current estimates suggest that the center will allow for over 850 surgeries annually, a staggering increase from the previous rate of approximately 150. Additionally, the surgical training capabilities are set to see a sixfold rise, from three to 18 surgeons trained each year. This aligns perfectly with the urgent necessity for specialized cleft treatment within the region.

Susannah Schaefer, the President and CEO of Smile Train, expressed her enthusiasm about the center’s potential: "This new facility represents not just a building but a beacon of hope. It means many more children will receive the life-changing care they need and a steady stream of professionally trained workers to uphold this vital work into the future."

Comprehensive Care for Families

The CLC aims to address more than just surgical needs. The center will emphasize a holistic approach to cleft care by providing comprehensive services such as nutritional education, speech therapy, orthodontics, and psychosocial support—expanding the total number of individuals receiving complete care from around 150 to 850 annually.

Additionally, the center will serve as an educational hub for medical professionals, ensuring a consistent supply of skilled individuals who can provide top-notch cleft care for generations to come.

A Bright Future Ahead

Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo, Acting CEO of KATH, stated, "The opening of this facility underscores our commitment to bolster Ghana's healthcare framework and broaden access to specialized medical services. It signifies a monumental step in improving cleft care services and supporting families seeking treatment."

The National Cleft Care Center is not only a local asset but also a pivotal part of Smile Train’s global network aimed at delivering sustainable cleft care. "This center is a shining example of how partnership and investment in local health systems can culminate in significant benefits for children with clefts,” commented Prof. Peter Donkor, President of the Ghana Cleft Foundation.

Impact on Communities

With expanded capacity, the CLC anticipates that it will significantly reduce the barriers faced by families in accessing high-quality cleft care. The implications of having such a comprehensive care center in Ghana are far-reaching, potentially transforming thousands of lives by enabling children with clefts the opportunity to thrive and lead fulfilling lives.

Ultimately, the Cleft Leadership Center is set to become a pivotal landmark in Africa’s healthcare landscape. This initiative by Smile Train, alongside its partners, illuminates the path towards enhancing the quality of life for countless children in Ghana and beyond. To learn more about Smile Train’s initiatives and the profound impact they foster, visit smiletrain.org.