In many parts of Africa, access to safe surgery is not just limited, it’s nearly out of reach. There’s a critical shortage of specialized surgical professionals, doctors and nurses. That means entire communities can go without the care they need, sometimes for a lifetime.
Operation Smile is working to change that—not just by delivering surgeries, but by investing in local medical talent.
That’s why we launched the Sub-Saharan African Surgical Program Series in Global Medical Education—a five-part initiative designed to fast-track five promising plastic surgeons through a structured, cleft-focused training pathway. These surgeons are gaining hands-on experience under the guidance of expert mentors while transforming the lives of children born with cleft conditions.
The fourth program is set to launch soon in Malawi, bringing a wave of hope to children and their families.
What makes this program unique? In their journey to become cleft-competent, these surgeons can train and operate across all five participating countries. That mobility allows them to accelerate their learning, gain valuable surgical hours, and achieve cleft competency faster—all while delivering life-changing care to children who can’t wait.
Each program is designed to grow local surgical capacity from within. This isn’t just a training initiative—it’s a long-term investment in stronger, self-sustaining health systems.
By supporting these five surgeons, you’re helping build a future where no child has to live with an untreated cleft and where every country has the skilled professionals to make that future possible.
