The Smile Train Initiative, in partnership with the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), has provided free cleft lip surgeries to 250 patients in Kwara State over the last 18 years.
The partnership continues to deliver high-quality and comprehensive treatment to children born with cleft lip and palate across the state.
Prof. AbdulRasheed Nasir, Team Lead of the Smile Train-UITH partnership, revealed this during the 2025 Cleft Awareness Day rally held at Oke-Oyi in Ilorin East Local Government Area on Wednesday.
He said the community rally was organized to raise awareness about cleft conditions and encourage families, especially in rural and urban areas, to seek timely medical care for their children.
According to him, Smile Train has consistently offered free surgical repairs for cleft lip and palate, removing financial barriers and ensuring that even underserved children have access to quality treatment.
“The foundation is ready to admit and treat as many cleft cases as we can identify,” Nasir said, while urging families to refer patients and take part in outreach activities.
He explained that the programme has shifted focus from just the number of surgeries performed to improving quality outcomes and providing complete cleft care for patients and their families.
To achieve this, the organization closely monitors patient care, reviews results, and collects feedback to continuously improve treatment standards at every stage.
Nasir added that Smile Train also offers psychological support to patients and families, helping them cope with the emotional and social challenges that come with cleft conditions.
He further noted that care under the programme involves a multidisciplinary team—including pediatricians, dentists, speech therapists, and nutritionists—who work together to provide personalized treatment for each child.
Stakeholders also meet regularly to review outcomes, share experiences, and learn from data in order to keep improving the quality of care.
Nasir stressed that Smile Train is committed to reaching more patients, especially in remote communities, through awareness and health education campaigns.
He added that healthcare providers under the programme are being trained in advanced cleft repair techniques to improve both surgical results and patient satisfaction.
“By focusing on quality care and full support, Smile Train hopes to give every child born with cleft lip or palate a better life,” Nasir said.
The Baale of Oke-Oyi, Saliu Abdulkadir-Ayandeji, praised the initiative, describing it as a life-saving intervention that has brought hope to many families.
He noted that while new health challenges continue to emerge, healthcare workers must remain committed to their humanitarian service and show compassion in their daily work.
The Baale also pledged the community’s full support to ensure the success and continuity of cleft treatment and awareness efforts across Kwara State.
