Smile Train has opened a state-of-the-art Cleft Leadership Center (CLC) at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, Ghana.
The “National Cleft Care Center – A Smile Train Cleft Leadership Center” will elevate cleft care delivery in Ghana and across the Sub-Saharan Africa region.
The nearly 30-thousand square foot building makes it the largest cleft care center on the continent.
Treatment capacity at KATH is expected to increase by more than 5 times (from aprx.150 to 850) and surgical training capacity by 6 times (3 to18 surgeons annually), directly addressing the urgent need for cleft care in Ghana where approximately 700 babies are born with a cleft each year.
The center is the result of a four-way partnership between Smile Train, Ghana’s Ministry of Health, the Ghana Cleft Foundation, and KATH. Together, this coalition will unlock access to quality cleft care and training on an unprecedented scale.
“The impact of this center will be immediate and far-reaching,” said president and CEO of Smile Train, Susannah Schaefer.
“It means many more children will receive the life-changing care they need, and it means there will now be a steady supply of trained professionals who can carry this work forward for generations. This is how we create lasting change: by building capacity and empowering local health systems to lead the way,” added Schaefer.
Many families across Ghana and neighboring countries face significant barriers to accessing high-quality and timely comprehensive cleft care.
Smile Train’s new CLC will not only expand regional cleft surgical capacity, but also serve as a hub for interdisciplinary training in cleft treatment, from surgery to dental care to speech therapy and more.
“This groundbreaking center will be a benchmark of quality surgical capacity in Africa and is a shining example of how Smile Train’s partnership-based model works,” said president of Ghana Cleft Foundation, Prof. Peter Donkor.
“The opening of the National Cleft Care Center in Ghana exemplifies the long-term impact of investing in local health systems. This collaboration will help ensure that every child with a cleft has the opportunity to live a full, happy, and healthy life,” added Prof. Donkor
Before the launch of the National Cleft Care Center – A Smile Train Cleft Leadership Center, KATH was able to care for approximately 100 cleft surgery patients annually.
When fully operational, the new center will be capable of supporting up to 500 surgery patients and 350 comprehensive cleft care patients with services including nutritional education, speech therapy, orthodontics, psychosocial and oral health— increasing the number of individuals receiving wrap-around services annually from approximately 150 to 850.
“This four-way partnership marks a significant milestone in our commitment to strengthening Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure and expanding access to specialized care,” said acting CEO of KATH, Dr Paa Kwesi Baidoo.
“This facility will enhance the comprehensive care and continued progress in cleft care services. The National Cleft Care Center will not only serve more children and families more but also train future cleft care providers and improve research efforts,” concluded Dr Baidoo.
The National Cleft Care Center – A Smile Train Cleft Leadership Center underscores Smile Train’s commitment to supporting high-quality, locally led cleft care around the world.
As the latest addition to Smile Train’s global network of cleft leadership centers, it promises to serve as a beacon of hope for thousands of children and families in need.
