#Ghana #Smile Train #Kumasi #Cleft Care

Smile Train's Landmark Step in Cleft Care

On June 25, 2025, Smile Train inaugurated the Cleft Leadership Center (CLC) at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, Ghana, marking a pivotal moment in the provision of cleft care across Africa. As the largest of its kind on the continent, the new facility expands treatment and training capabilities to meet pressing health needs in the region, significantly improving the lives of countless children and families.

Transformative Impact on Cleft Care

The CLC spans nearly 30,000 square feet and will enhance the hospital’s capacity from approximately 150 cleft surgeries per year to an impressive 850. Additionally, the training setup for surgeons will see a sixfold increase, from three to 18, thereby ensuring a robust pipeline of qualified professionals dedicated to cleft treatment. This comes at a critical time for Ghana, where around 700 babies are born with cleft conditions each year.

This initiative is a result of a fruitful partnership among Smile Train, Ghana's Ministry of Health, the Ghana Cleft Foundation, and KATH, demonstrating a commitment to improving health services through collaborative efforts.

Quality Care and Comprehensive Services

Currently, many families in Ghana and neighboring countries face major obstacles preventing them from accessing timely and quality cleft care. The establishment of the CLC aims to not only cater to surgical needs but also provide a spectrum of comprehensive services. These services include nutritional education, speech therapy, orthodontics, psychosocial support, and oral health—all essential components for a patient’s holistic recovery and well-being.

“The impact of this center will be immediate and far-reaching,” stated Susannah Schaefer, President and CEO of Smile Train. She emphasized that the center would lead to a significant increase in the number of children receiving vital care and ensure a continuous supply of trained professionals committed to cleft care long into the future.

The partnership approach taken by the involved parties aims to address the critical shortage of qualified cleft care providers by empowering local health systems. Prof. Peter Donkor, President of the Ghana Cleft Foundation, highlighted the significance of this model and its long-term effects on improving healthcare standards and outcomes in the region.

A Beacon of Hope

As the inaugural center of its kind in Africa, the National Cleft Care Center serves as a benchmark for quality surgical services. It is designed not only to support an increased caseload but also to develop a sophisticated training hub for healthcare professionals focused on interdisciplinary cleft care.

“The opening of the CLC underscores the importance of investing in local health systems and resources,” Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo, Acting CEO of KATH, noted. He expressed anticipation of the center's role in not only enhancing patient services but also in training future cleft care providers and furthering research efforts in this critical health domain.

This facility aligns with Smile Train's mission of providing sustainable, high-quality cleft care worldwide. By investing in local healthcare systems, Smile Train aims to create lasting change that extends beyond immediate treatment.

About Smile Train

Smile Train is dedicated to empowering local medical professionals with training, funding, and resources to deliver free cleft surgery and care to children globally. Their sustainable approach has redefined cleft treatment and significantly improved the lives of countless children.

For more details on how Smile Train operates and the lasting impacts of their initiatives, visit smiletrain.org.