Transforming Lives: Huế’s Initiative for Children with Cleft Lip and Palate
In Huế, Vietnam, hundreds of children with congenital deformities received free screenings and surgeries to improve their confidence and quality of life. This initiative, led by Doctor Nguyễn Hồng Lợi and the Interplast Volunteer Surgical Team, has performed over 1,200 surgeries since its inception in 2016, significantly benefiting the affected community and increasing access to high-quality medical care.
In Huế, Vietnam, hundreds of children suffering from congenital conditions like cleft lip and palate received free medical screenings and surgeries, significantly improving their chances of having confident smiles. This initiative was announced on March 13 by Doctor Nguyễn Hồng Lợi, director of the Maxillofacial Centre at Huế Central Hospital, in collaboration with the Interplast Volunteer Surgical Team from Germany.
The humanitarian mission is active from March 10 to March 20, involving 13 medical experts from Germany, Italy, Austria, and Spain who actively screened cases and provided surgeries for over 100 children. This effort is focused not only on repairing deformities but also on enhancing the children’s ability to integrate into society through improved self-esteem and communication skills.
Parents, like Trần Thị Loan from HCM City, have expressed deep gratitude for the care provided. She shared how the medical staff’s dedication gives her hope for her son’s surgery outcome. Similarly, she plans to register for future services provided by the Interplast team for ongoing support.
Doctor Peter Schachner from the Interplast team highlighted their commitment to ensuring that Vietnamese children receive high-quality medical treatment for cleft lip and palate. The collaborative effort has been well-coordinated, allowing optimal surgical outcomes thanks to the well-prepared medical team at Huế Central Hospital.
Cleft lip and palate deformities are prevalent in Asia, with one in every 700 to 800 children affected in Vietnam. These conditions not only pose health risks but also severely impact children’s self-confidence and daily interactions. The Maxillofacial Centre at Huế Central Hospital sees hundreds of such cases yearly, with nearly 1,200 surgeries conducted since Interplast began its partnership in 2016.
Doctor Lợi mentioned that the collaboration has facilitated the transfer of advanced surgical techniques and anesthetic recovery practices to local medical staff. They aspire to continue this partnership to enhance training and develop resources for speech therapy and facial reconstruction. A long-term goal is to establish a comprehensive treatment center for cleft lip and palate at the hospital, benefiting more children in need.
Through the effective and enduring partnership between Huế Central Hospital and Interplast, a considerable number of underprivileged children can smile with confidence and enjoy improved health.
The collaborative effort between Huế Central Hospital and the Interplast Volunteer Surgical Team represents a significant stride in providing essential medical care for children with cleft lip and palate deformities. With hundreds of successful surgeries and continuous training for local medical staff, more children are gaining confidence and better integration into society. Future goals include developing comprehensive treatment facilities to further enhance care for these conditions.
Original Source: vietnamnews.vn
