A Lifeline for Children and Youth with Cleft Lip and Palate in Fez
The Alghassani Hospital in Fez, Morocco, is set to host a significant humanitarian initiative organized by the Smile Operation Morocco Association. This free surgical mission is scheduled to take place from October 30 to November 4, 2026, under the honorary presidency of Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Meryem. This event is made possible through a collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, along with coordination from the Fez-Meknes regional health group.
The primary objective of this noble initiative is to provide children and young individuals born with cleft lip and/or palate the opportunity to undergo reconstructive surgeries at no cost, complemented by specialized medical services. This effort aligns with the association's commitment to enhance access to healthcare and bring treatment closer to patients and their families.
Approximately 90 patients are expected to benefit from this mission, which will see the participation of over 90 healthcare professionals from Morocco and 12 other countries. Among these specialists are surgeons, anesthetists, pediatricians, dentists, speech therapists, as well as nurses and psychologists, ensuring a comprehensive and multidisciplinary medical approach that addresses the needs of the patients.
Preparations for the mission will commence on October 29, with the setup of operating rooms and recovery facilities. The first day of the mission, October 30, will be dedicated to conducting necessary medical examinations, consultations, and assessments to identify the patients eligible for surgical interventions.
The surgeries are scheduled to take place from October 31 to November 3, with November 4 reserved for follow-up medical examinations to monitor the health status of the beneficiaries, ensuring their recovery and providing necessary medical support in optimal conditions.
The association has underscored that the success of this humanitarian initiative relies on the commitment of volunteers and the support from partners and donors, particularly the Ministry of Health and Social Protection and the Fez-Meknes regional health group. This collaboration enables the provision of specialized and free surgical services to children and youth in need.
This mission is part of the ongoing humanitarian program executed by the Smile Operation Morocco Association across various regions of the kingdom, aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals affected by cleft lip or palate by offering surgical treatment and comprehensive medical care, thereby enhancing their social integration opportunities.
In this context, the association invites all concerned patients to attend in person on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Alghassani Hospital in Fez for registration and necessary medical examinations before identifying the beneficiaries of the surgical procedures.
This initiative reaffirms the importance of solidarity and partnership among health institutions, civil society organizations, and volunteers in alleviating the suffering of patients and enabling them to access better treatment opportunities and regain their smiles.
As reported by nichanealane.ma.
