The Nigerian Association for Cleft Lip and Palate (NACLP) has commenced free cleft surgeries in Rivers State, with experts urging parents to seek early treatment for children born with cleft conditions to prevent lifelong complications and stigma.
Speaking at the association’s pre-conference workshop and surgical outreach at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) in Port Harcourt, the National President of NACLP, Prof. Nnadozie Ugochukwu, said many of the patients currently undergoing surgery are adults who lived with the condition for years because they were unaware treatment is provided free of charge through SmileTrain-supported centres.
He stressed that children born with cleft lip and palate should receive treatment within the first few months of life and called on parents and communities to take advantage of available services.
Ugochukwu also appealed to Nigerians to reject misconceptions linking cleft conditions to witchcraft or wrongdoing, describing them as congenital medical conditions that can be successfully treated. He urged residents to refer anyone living with a cleft condition to RSUTH for free care.
He explained that Rivers State was chosen to host this year’s conference because it is the first time the annual gathering is being held in the South-South region, noting that comprehensive cleft care includes surgery, speech therapy, nutrition, nursing and psychosocial support.
Chief Medical Officer of RSUTH, Prof. Chizindu Alikor, commended NACLP and SmileTrain for bringing the outreach to the state, saying it would transform the lives of patients while strengthening collaboration in cleft care. He also appreciated the Rivers State Government for supporting the programme.
Also speaking, SmileTrain’s Vice President and Regional Director for Africa, Mrs. Nkeiruka Obi, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to providing free, safe and comprehensive cleft care across Nigeria. She said the pre-conference workshop also trained parents on proper nutrition and feeding techniques to prepare babies with cleft conditions for surgery.
The outreach, organised by NACLP in partnership with SmileTrain, features free cleft surgeries, healthcare training and nutrition sessions for parents and caregivers as part of efforts to improve awareness, promote early detection and expand access to comprehensive cleft care.
