By Michael Foli Jackidy
Ho (V/R), Oct. 2, GNA – Dr. Opoku Ware Ampomah, a Plastic Surgery Consultant and the Country Medical Director of Operation Smile Ghana, has emphasized the critical importance of raising awareness and providing prompt assistance for children born with cleft lip and palate.
At the Ho Teaching Hospital, during the unveiling of a free cleft surgery initiative, Dr. Ampomah highlighted cleft deformities as some of the most frequent birth-related conditions worldwide.
He stated that a cleft lip refers to a noticeable gap in the lip, whereas a cleft palate is an opening in the upper part of the mouth, both of which may lead to significant issues with eating, speaking, and overall health.
"Every three minutes, somewhere across the globe, a child is born with a cleft. In Ghana, this happens approximately once in every 1,000 to 1,200 births," he mentioned.
Dr. Ampomah discussed genetic and environmental influences, such as vitamin deficiencies (particularly folic acid), contact with toxic substances, and older parental age, as key contributors. He also mentioned that misunderstandings regarding curses and bad luck frequently lead to social stigma, causing some children to be isolated.
He highlighted that cleft conditions can be treated. Cleft lip surgery is typically carried out between three and six months old, whereas cleft palate surgery is most effective between nine and 18 months, and should not be delayed beyond the age of four, to ensure proper speech development.
"If the operation is postponed, speech habits are firmly established, which makes it challenging to correct them even following the surgery," he explained.
The Operation Smile Ghana initiative, he mentioned, depends on a group of specialists including surgeons, anesthetists, pediatricians, nurses, psychologists, dietitians, speech pathologists, and biomedical engineers. This team is responsible for evaluating children, helping them reach the appropriate weight, and ensuring they are completely ready for secure surgery and recovery.
Since its founding in Ghana in 2011, Operation Smile has also developed local expertise, with 80–85 percent of volunteers now being Ghanaian professionals, aided by individuals from nations like Sweden and Ethiopia. The Ministry of Health, Ho Teaching Hospital, and other collaborators also offer essential support.
Dr. Ampomah mentioned that all services—such as transportation, meals, lodging, and surgical procedures—are provided at no cost. This week, the team anticipates conducting between 75 and 80 operations in Ho, with an average of 15–18 per day.
Mr. Peter Kwaku Titiati, the Country Manager of Operation Smile Ghana, mentioned that the organization conducts initiatives at Korle Bu, Cape Coast, Koforidua, and Ho Teaching Hospital. Short-term surgical missions take place every three months, addressing 60–70 cases each time, with Ho expecting as many as 80 this quarter because of increased need.
He revealed that Ho would continue to be a central priority, with a minimum of two or three missions scheduled each year until 2026.
Parents showed appreciation, with Madam Catherine Mensah from Sefwi and Madam Dora Sarpomah from Accra expressing thanks to Operation Smile for the transformative surgeries and kind treatment.
Dr. Ampomah urged families to avoid stigmatizing children with cleft conditions, emphasizing that they are smart and able when provided with medical care.
"We have witnessed children with clefts grow up to become doctors, reporters, and other professionals. They deserve our affection, not rejection," he stated.
He also recommended precautionary steps, encouraging women who can bear children to consume folic acid, steer clear of harmful drugs, and participate in early prenatal visits.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Audrey Dekalu
Posting Komentar