Making an impact

Athandwa's story
PATIENT STORIES

This Christmas, my son has the greatest gift of all – a new smile

Jenni Rowe
FUNDRAISING FOR OPERATION SMILE

Turning tragedy into smiles

family
VOLUNTEERING

Join our caring and dedicated team – offering hope and reassurance

Every 3 minutes …

… a child is born somewhere in the world with a cleft condition. This affects their health and futures. We are committed to providing comprehensive cleft care, transforming their lives and strengthening the health systems in their communities.

LEARN ABOUT CLEFT CONDITIONS, & TREATMENT

Christmas gift of a smile

Help change another child’s life

Depending on the severity, cleft conditions can be repaired in just 45 minutes. Your donation makes it possible.

NEWS & EVENTS

Latest Updates

Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, commends our work

Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, commends our work

During our recent Surgical and Dental Programme in Mthatha, Operation Smile South Africa – in partnership with the Eastern Cape Department of Health and the Department of Health South Africa – reached more than 1,000 people through free cleft surgeries, dental care, and oral health education.

Grateful thanks to our partners

world map

Our global family

Founded in 1982 by Bill and Kathy Magee, Operation Smile is a global nonprofit bridging the gap in access to essential surgeries and healthcare, starting with cleft surgery and comprehensive care.

With more than 6,000 active medical volunteers from all around the world, Operation Smile is one of the world’s largest volunteer-based nonprofit organisations.

Our volunteers, partners and supporters are people from all walks of life, who share our belief that that high-quality health care is a universal human right, not a privilege.

Mthatha surgical programme

With more than 6,000 active medical volunteers from all around the world, Operation Smile is one of the world’s largest volunteer-based nonprofit organisations.

Our supporters are people from all walks of life, who believe that anyone born with a cleft condition deserves safe, effective, and timely surgery and care.

Operation 100