Surgery for Guatemalans with Cleft Lip and Palate

Just in the last three months, approximately 100 infants born with cleft lip and palate were enrolled in our Nutrition program. Midwives in the community report each cleft birth to our community based Health Promoters, who then provide the parents with lactation assistance, specially designed nursing bottles, and breast pumps and/or commercial formula as needed. The Promoter then gathers the necessary information to register the family and track the infants' progress on his or her path to corrective surgery. The Promoter checks in at least monthly to assess overall condition, especially weight gain, which is critical in order for surgery to be performed. 

When surgery can be safely performed, the Health Promoter accompanies the infant and a family member to our surgical facility, where a volunteer surgical team repairs the condition. Because many patients travel great distances to reach our facility, we provide accommodations for both the patient and accompanying family member during the post surgical period.  When they're ready to return to their village, the Health Promoter accompanies the family back home and monitors the infant's condition, providing follow up care as needed. 

The results speak for themselves. Iker is pictured in our surgical facility shortly after his surgery, and Melvin is pictured in a community health center, further along in his healing. The little ones heal quickly, and their families are so grateful that their child can live a normal life. Thank you for your support - you have truly transformed lives! 

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