| Cleft lip and cleft palate are two of the most common malformations for newborns in Vietnam with the rate of babies born with malformation at 1 in 700. The cleft lip-cleft defect not only affects appearance, but also influences the body and psychological development of children affected. Operating in Vietnam since 1989, during the past 30 years, Operation Smile Vietnam has examined and operated on more than 44,000 children with the congenital facial malformation. However, with about 3,000 children born with birth defects every year, there are still many children who are unable to access free examination and treatment services.
With the desire to bring more new smiles for children across the country, in April 2019, BBGV in collaboration with Operation Smile Vietnam launched the medical mission for 16 patients with cleft lip and cleft palate. The mission took place between 22 and 25 April 2019 at the National Hospital of Odonto – Stomalogy in Ho Chi Minh city with a total of around 80 patients being examined and 60 patients undergoing treatment. Beside BBGV, Lotte Mart, ABC International School, European International School and Zumbathon were also mission sponsors for this meaningful event. | 