We’ve just returned from Mthatha with full hearts, after our most successful surgical programme to date. No fewer than 41 patients – most of them children – received life-changing cleft surgery; 2 adults were fitted with special obturators and 568 people benefitted from free dental care, during the four-day programme.
New research published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology in June 2026 suggests a link between maternal exposure to agricultural chemicals during pregnancy and an increased likelihood of orofacial clefts.
This World Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7), Operation Smile is highlighting the importance of breastfeeding and the need to support mothers, especially those caring for infants with cleft conditions. Infants born with cleft conditions are 9 times more likely to die within their first year of life than other infants – and feeding challenges contribute significantly to this risk.