Nigeria, 7 Others Strengthen Cleft Care Programmes In Africa

Healthcare professionals from eight African countries have converged on Abuja to strengthen locally led cleft care programmes in Africa.

The forum was part of the efforts to improve access to safe, high-quality treatment for thousands of children born with cleft conditions across the continent.

The meeting, organised by Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft-focused charity, marked the first General Assembly of the Smile Train Africa Alumni Network (STAAN). It brought together 35 surgeons, anaesthesia providers and speech professionals from Nigeria, Mali, Zambia, Niger, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Cameroon and Burkina Faso.

The assembly established a continental platform for mentorship, research, advocacy and knowledge sharing to strengthen African-led cleft care while addressing the continent’s shortage of specialist healthcare professionals. According to the Lancet Commission on Global Surgery, Africa remains far below the recommended minimum of 20 surgeons, anaesthetists and obstetricians per 100,000 people.

At the gala dinner on Monday, former Ekiti State governor and founder of the Amandla Institute for Policy and Leadership Advancement, Dr Kayode Fayemi, urged the participants to broaden their contributions beyond clinical practice.

He said the future of cleft care in Africa would be determined not only by surgeons performing corrective procedures but also by professionals who influence policies, strengthen health systems, generate evidence and advocate for children whose wellbeing depends on comprehensive healthcare.

Smile Train’s vice president and regional director for Africa, Mrs Nkeiruka Obi, described STAAN as a movement of African healthcare leaders committed to ensuring that every child born with a cleft has access to quality treatment close to home.

She encouraged members to use the network to build stronger programmes, mentor younger professionals and improve patient outcomes across the continent.

Also, Dr Vivian Okafor, National Surgical, Obstetrics, Anaesthesia and Nursing Plan (NSOANP) Desk Officer, pledged support for the initiative, stressing that strategic partnerships remain essential for strengthening surgical systems and expanding access to quality cleft care.

STAAN president and plastic surgeon,  Dr Oti Nimi Aria, said the network was established to tackle disparities in cleft care delivery across Africa, noting that many countries still depend on short-term visiting missions or isolated programmes.

The associate orofessor said the platform would promote collaboration, mentorship and the exchange of best practices to build sustainable, locally driven solutions.

An estimated 40,000 children are born with cleft conditions in Africa every year. Since launching its African programmes in 2002, Smile Train has supported more than 200,000 free cleft surgery and over 170 surgeons and anaesthesia professionals through partnerships with leading medical institutions.

Established in 2024, STAAN seeks to advance equity, sustainability and local ownership in cleft care across Africa.