Global Smile Foundation (GSF) will be in Ecuador in March 2025 & September 2025 to provide cleft care to underserved children. Without care, those born with cleft suffer poor health, malnutrition, and poverty. Donations will fund reconstructive surgery, dental care, speech therapy and feeding assistance for up to 70 patients. This is our 38th year of humanitarian aid in the country and we have a long waiting list of patients.
Cleft is one of the most common birth defects in the world. In underserved communities, access to specialized care is extremely limited. Left untreated, infants born with cleft are more likely to die prematurely or be underweight, children suffer poor physical and mental health, and older children are bullied and ostracized, unable to attend school and make friends. Families who have a child born with cleft face financial hardships and a lack of community support.
Providing comprehensive cleft care to children as early and consistently as possible is life-changing. Feeding assistance helps an infant grow and thrive. Surgery not only offers physical repair for cleft, but also improves a child's self-esteem. Dental care and psychosocial support improve overall health, including mental health. Speech therapy helps our patients communicate clearly. All of this cleft care gives children healthier and more hopeful lives.
Our research shows that when patients receive cleft care, they are better able to attend school, make friends, and integrate into society. Families are better able to reach financial stability and access community support. In addition, we train onsite health providers during our programs so that they can develop capacity for treating patients independently.
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