Smile Train

Smile train logo14

Smile Train is an international non-profit organization and charity that focuses on supporting the comprehensive cleft care for children in low and middle-income countries. It was founded in 1999 with the mission to provide every child suffering from cleft lip and cleft palate the opportunity to lead a full and productive life. Smile Train utilizes a sustainable model by training local medical professionals in cleft surgery and related treatment, rather than sending doctors from developed countries to provide temporary care.

History

Smile Train was established with the goal of providing a sustainable solution to the treatment of cleft lip and palate, which are among the most common birth defects worldwide. Recognizing the lack of access to safe, quality surgical care in many parts of the world, Smile Train's founders aimed to create a model that empowers local healthcare systems to provide cleft care year-round.

Mission and Approach

The core mission of Smile Train is to ensure that every child born with a cleft can lead a healthy and productive life. The organization's approach is unique in that it focuses on training local doctors and supporting local hospitals to provide cleft surgeries and comprehensive cleft care. This includes speech therapy, dental care, and psychological support, addressing the needs of cleft patients beyond the surgical procedure.

Impact

Since its inception, Smile Train has supported more than one million cleft surgeries across over 90 countries. The organization's work has not only transformed the lives of children and their families but also strengthened local healthcare systems by providing training, funding, and resources to local medical teams.

Programs and Initiatives

Smile Train's programs are diverse and tailored to address the multifaceted needs of cleft patients. These include:

• Surgical Training: Offering comprehensive cleft surgery training programs for local surgeons.
• Cleft Care: Providing access to essential non-surgical cleft care services.
• Awareness and Advocacy: Raising awareness about cleft issues and advocating for the inclusion of cleft care in national health agendas.
• Research and Innovation: Supporting research to improve cleft care practices and outcomes.

Challenges and Controversies

Despite its successes, Smile Train has faced challenges and controversies, particularly regarding its operational model and fundraising practices. Critics have questioned the sustainability of focusing primarily on surgical interventions without addressing broader systemic health issues. However, Smile Train maintains that its model is effective in building local capacity and ensuring long-term care for cleft patients.

Conclusion

Smile Train has made significant strides in addressing the global challenge of cleft lip and palate. By empowering local medical professionals and advocating for comprehensive cleft care, the organization continues to change the lives of children around the world. Its model serves as an example of how focused, sustainable support can improve healthcare outcomes in low-resource settings.