The Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) has launched a new partnership with the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board to provide free cleft surgeries and comprehensive cleft care to residents across the state.
The initiative is funded by Smile Train, the world’s largest charity dedicated to cleft care, and aims to expand access to life-changing treatment for children and adults born with cleft lip or palate.
As part of the programme, health workers across primary health centres in the state have been trained to identify cleft conditions early and refer patients to RSUTH for free surgery and follow-up care. Local government representatives have also been mobilised to help address stigma and raise awareness in communities.
Dr. Oti Nimi Aria, who leads the cleft and craniofacial surgery team at RSUTH, said the goal is to ensure that cleft care reaches families in every community. She explained that lip repair is typically done at about three months of age, while palate repair is carried out at around one year. She urged families to seek early referral at birth to ensure better outcomes.
RSUTH says the partnership will enable more children to benefit from timely, corrective surgery and long-term support.
Free Cleft Care Contacts (RSUTH, Port Harcourt): 0806 385 2267, 0703 554 7698 and 0810 412 2651.
