Huế’s Initiative Restores Smiles to Children with Birth Defects

In Huế, a free program providing screenings and surgeries for children with cleft lip and palate deformities has been launched, benefiting hundreds. The effort, facilitated by Huế Central Hospital and the Interplast Volunteer Surgical Team, aims to restore smiles and enhance the confidence of these children. A strong partnership has developed since 2016, performing nearly 1,200 surgeries and investing in local medical training.

In Huế, hundreds of children suffering from congenital birth defects, particularly cleft lip and palate deformities, have benefited from free screenings and surgeries, thus providing them the opportunity to regain their self-assurance and smiles. The initiative was announced by Doctor Nguyễn Hồng Lợi, Director of the Maxillofacial Centre at Huế Central Hospital, who stated that the center is collaborating with the Interplast Volunteer Surgical Team from Germany for this cause from March 10 to March 20.

The surgical mission involves 13 specialists from Germany, Italy, Austria, and Spain, who are screening numerous cases and performing surgeries at no cost for over 100 affected children. This humanitarian effort aims to restore smiles to these children, enhancing their confidence and facilitating their social integration.

Trần Thị Loan, a mother from HCM City, brought her three-year-old son for cleft palate surgery and expressed her gratitude for the medical staff’s dedication. She trusts the expertise of the surgical team and plans to continue utilizing their services for her son’s complete recovery if they return.

Doctor Peter Schachner, a member of the Interplast team, emphasized the mission’s objective to help Vietnamese children receive quality medical care for cleft lip treatment. Thanks to meticulous preparation by Huế Central Hospital’s doctors, the surgical teams have effectively coordinated efforts for optimal surgical outcomes.

Cleft lip and palate deformities represent a significant portion of congenital disabilities, with an estimated incidence of one in every 700 to 800 children in Vietnam. These conditions adversely affect children’s health, confidence, and communication skills. The Maxillofacial Centre at Huế Central Hospital treats hundreds of patients with these deformities each year.

According to Doctor Lợi, since the commencement of collaboration with Interplast in 2016, nearly 1,200 surgeries have been conducted. Interplast not only aids in performing surgeries but also provides training opportunities at prominent hospitals in Europe and Southeast Asia, enhancing the skills of local medical staff.

Looking ahead, Lợi expressed ambitions to further collaborate with Interplast to develop a comprehensive treatment center for cleft lip and palate at Huế Central Hospital, equipping medical staff with modern tools for therapy and reconstruction. The collaboration between Huế Central Hospital and Interplast continues to empower countless underprivileged children across the nation to recover their smiles and improve their health.

The collaborative efforts between Huế Central Hospital and the Interplast Organisation significantly contribute to improving the lives of children with congenital deformities. With comprehensive support through free surgeries and training, many children are regaining their smiles and confidence. The ongoing partnership highlights the commitment to enhancing healthcare access and quality for these vulnerable populations in Vietnam.

Original Source: vietnamnews.vn