Operation Smile launches life-changing cleft surgery program in Tanzania

TANZANIA—Operation Smile Tanzania, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving healthcare for children born with cleft lip and cleft palate, has launched its first surgical programme in Mtwara.

 This important initiative aims to provide life-changing medical care to children affected by these conditions, who often face challenges accessing timely treatment.

The programme is led by a skilled Tanzanian medical team and is supported by experienced volunteer medical professionals from both the region and around the world.

This collaboration marks a significant milestone in building a sustainable healthcare system for children with cleft conditions across Tanzania.

Every year, more than 2,500 babies are born in Tanzania with cleft lip or cleft palate.

Unfortunately, many of these children do not receive early diagnosis, and only a small number have access to the surgical care they need.

Before this programme, families often had to wait for years or travel long distances to receive treatment, which could dramatically improve the lives of affected children.

Dr. Hamid Mandali, the Country Manager of Operation Smile Tanzania, expressed his enthusiasm about the launch, saying, “This is a new beginning for healthcare in Tanzania. We are bringing urgent medical care closer to home, empowering local professionals, and strengthening the health system for the long term.”

The surgical programme began with an Education Day and Pre-Hospital Readiness (PHR) Training.

These sessions prepared both medical and non-medical teams to deliver safe, comprehensive, and high-quality care. By bringing together local and international experts, the programme fosters a shared commitment to equitable healthcare for all children in need.

The timing of the launch is especially meaningful, as it took place just two days before Africa Day on May 25.

Africa Day celebrates the continent’s unity, resilience, and hope for a brighter future.

Dr. Mandali highlighted this connection, stating, “This launch embodies the spirit of Africa Day. It shows that Tanzania and Africa are ready to lead. With support, investment, and training, we can build lasting healthcare systems.”

Operation Smile Tanzania is focused on creating sustainable care by establishing two regional centres in Iringa and Mtwara.

These centres will not only provide surgeries but also offer education, research, and long-term follow-up care for children with cleft conditions.

As part of the programme’s first phase, 18 community health workers and 2 nutritionists received training to help identify cleft conditions early and refer patients for treatment.

 These frontline workers play a crucial role in connecting rural communities with clinical services.

The success of Operation Smile Tanzania is strengthened by partnerships with local organizations such as the Tanzania Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (TASPRAS) and academic collaborations with the Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences (CUHAS) and Bugando Medical Centre (BMC) in Mwanza.

Notably, visiting professors like Professor Faustin Ntirenganya from Rwanda and Dr. Abraham Negussie from Ethiopia have been instrumental in training and mentoring Tanzanian specialists.

Dr. Negussie’s recent visiting professorship marked a historic achievement, as the first-ever hand and brachial plexus surgeries were successfully performed in Tanzania.

This collaboration between Operation Smile, CUHAS, and BMC is paving the way for advanced reconstructive surgery in the country, expanding the scope of care available to patients.

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