Smile Train, UITH treat 250 cleft-lips patient in Kwara, prioritize quality care
By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
The Smile Train Initiative in collaboration with the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) has surgically treated 250 patients successfully with Cleft lips condition in Kwara with quality and comprehensive care for patients, since inception of the programme 18 years ago.
Prof. AbdulRasheed Nasir, the Team Lead of Smile Train Partners, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) stated this in Ilorin at the sidelines of the 2025 Cleft Awareness Day organised at Oke-Oyi community, Ilorin East local Government Area.
He explained that the rally was to sensitize people on the congenital deformity.
According to him, Smile Train has made provision of free surgical intervention for the repair of cleft lips and cleft palate for children.
“The foundation is ready to admit and repair as many cases of cleft lips condition as we can get,” he said.
Nasir emphasized that initiative has shifted its focus from quantity to quality in cleft care, while emphasizing on comprehensive care beyond just surgery.
“The organization monitors every aspect of patient care, reviewing outcomes and providing feedback to ensure high-quality treatment,” he said.
The expert said the foundation is offering psychological support, in addressing the emotional and psychological needs of patients and their families.
He stated that intervention also includes multidisciplinary care involving pediatricians, dentists, nutritionists, and speech therapists to provide holistic care.
Nasir pointed out that stakeholders engage in regular review and feedback, while conducting regular meetings to review patient outcomes and identify areas for improvement.
He observed that the opportunity is to increase patient load, as the initiative aims to continue the programme where there are patient, adding that awareness campaigns and community outreach is important to reach patients in hinterlands.
The Smile Train team lead noted that healthcare providers continue to get training on improved technique in repair of Cleft lips.
“By emphasizing quality and comprehensive care, the Smile Train initiative aims to provide holistic support to patients with cleft lip and palate, improving their overall well-being and quality of life, ” he said.
In his appreciative remark, the Baale of Oke-Oyi community, Alhaji Saliu Abdulkadir-Ayandeji commended the Smile Train teams for the Healthcare intervention in saving lives.
He lamented on the emergence of new diseases that are causing untold hardship to humanity, while appealing to healthcare workers to continue to strive in their humanitarian services.
Ayandeji pledged the support of the community towards the success of the Cleft lips treatment across the state.(NAN)
