Over 2,000 children born with cleft lip and palate have undergone corrective surgeries at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Ghana, enabling them to integrate fully into society without facing stigmatization.
The success story comes from the efforts of the KATH Cleft Multidisciplinary Clinic, which has treated more than 5,000 cases and performed over 2,000 surgeries over the past two decades since its establishment.Dr. Solomon Obiri Yeboah, the Head of the KATH Cleft Unit, highlighted the ongoing battle against the stigma associated with cleft conditions, emphasizing the need for increased advocacy and support.
He also pointed out that the cost of these corrective surgeries runs into thousands of dollars.Fortunately, organizations like the Ghana Cleft Foundation and Smile Train, both NGOs, have stepped in to finance these surgeries at KATH. Their support has been instrumental in ensuring that children with cleft lip and palate receive the necessary medical care without financial barriers.
Dr. Obiri-Yeboah further emphasized the importance of enrolling Cleft care in the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) scheme, similar to the coverage provided for babies with hernia.
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