Smile Train concludes Indo-Africa cleft conference to strengthen care across two regions

The two-day conference convened surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, speech therapists, orthodontists and other multidisciplinary cleft care specialists from Smile Train's two largest regions. The meeting focused on sharing clinical expertise, strengthening healthcare systems and expanding access to comprehensive cleft care.

The conference built on the Indo-Africa Synergy initiative launched in 2012, which promotes knowledge exchange between medical professionals in the two regions.

Participants took part in expert discussions and hands-on workshops covering surgical techniques, patient safety, speech therapy, orthodontics and long-term patient care. The forum also explored healthcare system strengthening, advocacy and community engagement, with speakers emphasizing that effective cleft care extends beyond surgery to include rehabilitation and follow-up services.

Smile Train's Senior Vice President and Regional Director for Asia, Mamta Carroll, said the conference reflected the organization's commitment to strengthening locally led healthcare systems through collaboration and professional development.

Smile Train Africa Vice President and Regional Director Nkeiruka Obi said the meeting provided an opportunity for practitioners from both regions to exchange practical solutions and innovations while strengthening the capacity of cleft care professionals.

According to the organization, Smile Train has expanded its programs to nearly 40 African countries since 2002, supporting treatment for more than 200,000 people born with cleft conditions.

In India, the organization says it has supported more than 800,000 free cleft surgeries since 2000 through a network of more than 130 partner hospitals.

Smile Train says the collaboration between its India and Africa programs is intended to strengthen local capacity and improve access to safe, timely and comprehensive cleft care for children born with cleft conditions.