“The amount of superstition and stigma that still exists around children born with cleft lip and palate is unbelievable. So many of them don’t live to see their first birthday because of lack of nutrition. In India, 1 in every 700 births suffer from this second highest form of congenital condition. This is the reason we have started working for children with cleft lip and palate since 2002,” - Priyankit Panwar, Manager, Partnerships and Fundraising, Mission Smile. ![]()
Cleft lip and palate refers to openings or splits in the roof of the mouth and lip. Cleft palate is a common birth condition. It can occur alone or as part of a genetic condition or syndrome. Symptoms arise from the opening in the mouth. They include difficulty speaking and feeding. Procedure restores normal function with minimal scarring. If required, speech therapy helps correct speaking difficulties. How has Mission Smile been helping children with cleft lip and palate Mission Smile has completed more than 21,000 surgeries in Assam and neighbouring states. In 2011 a dedicated Mission Smile Comprehensive Cleft Care Center was established in Guwahati. Over 1800 volunteers from 36+ countries have participated in their missions. They also have international tie-ups with leading cleft foundations like Smile Asia and Future Smile Charitable Foundation. ![]()
One of the major ways in which they help is by sending groups of doctors, nurses and surgeons to areas which have been identified having the most number of cleft lipped children. The procedure undertaken is completely free of cost. They also have outreach centres where Mission Smile joins hands with local doctors and carries out the necessary surgeries. Last but not the least, they also hold several awareness programmes for children with cleft lips and their parents. They help them understand the problem and provide them with viable options to look after their children. ![]()
Your support can help bring back the smiles on so many faces “There is an existing backlog of 1 million untreated children and adults in India alone. We want to help all of them get the surgeries done and many more in need. All of that won’t be possible without your help. You can donate instruments for surgeries, medicines used as anesthetics and nutritional supplements. We promise you that none of your donations will go in vain.” ![]()
With every donation, you will help break the stigma around this disease and give them back their smiles. About the NGO: Since 2002, Mission Smile has been working relentlessly to help children with cleft lip and palate and ensure that they have a healthy and comfortable life. They also have international tie-ups with leading cleft foundations like Smile Asia and Future Smile Charitable Foundation.
Note: All the donations towards this campaign is eligible for Indian Tax Exemption.
