Operation 100

Addressing the Global Crisis in Surgical Care

Right now, 5 billion people can’t receive the surgical care they need, when they need it.

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Vaviroa Lalatianan, 6 years old. Bilateral Cleft lip, Before, Youngest Daughter: Arimalala Nambina, 2 years old, Unilateral Cleft lip, Before. Father: Dest Velontsoa Mother: Rosoa Arimalala Aunorine Photo Shows: Walking from home to their nearest hospital at Anivorano Est where they can find informations about Operation Smile and find transport to take them to the mission in Tamatave. The walk takes 3 hours over rough terrain and rivers.
Walking from home to their nearest hospital at Anivorano Est where they can find informations about Operation Smile and find transport to take them to the mission in Tamatave. The walk takes 3 hours over rough terrain and rivers.

In under-resourced countries, 9 out of 10 people are unable to get even the most basic surgery.

For families of children born with a cleft condition, this often means travelling for days, exhausting their savings, and enduring long waits.

That’s why Operation 100 was born.

What is Operation 100?

Building upon Operation Smile’s legacy, Operation 100 is our bold strategy to bring essential surgery to millions of people, closer to the patient’s home by investing in:

  • 100 local hospitals in under-resourced communities.
  • 100 cleft surgical teams trained to deliver safe, effective surgery.
  • Essential equipment for safe and timely procedures.
  • Improved hospital spaces where patients can recover with dignity.

And 100 is just the beginning.

Zoe Dareysa Espinal Caseres at Surgery Day
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For too long, patients have been forced to travel for days, exhausting their resources just to reach surgical care—only to be turned away. Operation 100 is about building hope.

Kathy Magee, Co-Founder, President & CEO of Operation Smile

A Future Within Reach

We’re partnering with local health workers, hospitals and governments so children can get the surgery and care they need within two hours of where they live.

Because when surgery is accessible:

  • Lives are saved.
  • Families stay strong.
  • Communities grow healthier.

Hope travels farther.

Speech therapists in Ghana receive training from Operation Smile to support children and families in remote and vulnerable communities.
Dr. Anne Mana Ndindwani from Rwanda

The Journey to Care

  • Mother Awulatu and baby Ismael at Tema bus station in central Accra. The family live at the bus station and sleep in a make shift bed underneath the waiting area benches.
  • Patients who have never visited the capital city - Antananarivo - travel by mini bus from the Op Smile patient shelter to the hospital on the first day of screening
  • Clara Tanjonirinalalao with father Dede on route home after a visit to a rural clinic a 2 hour walk from Clara's home.
  • Patients get off a van at the patient shelter during Operation Smile's medical mission in Majunga, Madagascar
  • Patients travel from patient shelter to the hospital.
  • Joseph Misa, 6 years old riding on a motorcycle with his parents
  • Adolphe Nezerwa, 6 months in his mothers arms riding on the back of a bicycle with his dad
Walking from home to their nearest hospital at Anivorano Est where they can find informations about Operation Smile and find transport to take them to the mission in Tamatave. The walk takes 3 hours over rough terrain and rivers.
Arimalala Nambina, 2 years old, Unilateral Cleft lip, Before. Mother: Rosoa Arimalala Aunorine

Surgery is not a Luxury

At Operation Smile, we believe surgery is not a luxury—it’s essential healthcare. Our mission is to ensure that every child born with a cleft lip or palate has access to safe, effective surgery and comprehensive care—no matter where they live.

Learn more about our work

Real Stories, Real Change.

Photo Shows: Father: Dest Velontsoa Oldest Daughter: Vaviroa Lalatianan, 6 years old. Bilateral Cleft lip, before. Youngest Daughter: Arimalala Nambina, 2 years old, Unilateral Cleft lip, Before. Mother: Rosoa Arimalala Aunorine
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You Can Help Bring Surgery Closer to Home. Make an Impact.

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