Nonprofit provides free cleft lip surgeries to dozens of children in South Sudan

The coordinator for the group’s cleft lip and cataracts program says more needs to be done to reach children born with the condition in remote parts of South Sudan.

Bidali Justin emphasized the importance of encouraging parents to seek treatment for their children born with cleft lips.

Cleft lips and palates occur when facial structures don’t form properly. There is a gap in the upper lip, the roof of the mouth, or both, which will cause difficulties with speaking and feeding. Surgery restores normal function with minimal scarring and speech therapy.

"I request that people should voluntarily do referrals for these patients because that is the only way we can access them, otherwise without voluntary support we cannot access these patients," Justin urged.

Adut Madok brought her grandchild all the way from Lakes State for the surgery in Juba. She shared her journey of raising the child after the mother abandoned him.

"When the mother gave birth to him and she saw that the baby had cleft lips, she immediately left him at the hospital, and I remained with the baby," Madok recounted.

Rehema Shamim, a mother from Uganda who lives in South Sudan, expressed her gratitude for the successful surgery performed on her child, underscoring the impact of medical intervention on affected families.

"I am here so now they have already done the operation, the baby is really looking nice, so am also happy, very happy," Shamim remarked.

Keren Daniels, Samaritan’s Purse’s nurse and program manager for cleft lips in South Sudan, provided insights into the organization's efforts to expand its reach and provide essential healthcare services across the nation.

"There is plenty of cleft to be done here, and we are returning in August with a target of about 90 again," Daniels said, emphasizing the organization's commitment to making a difference in the lives of those affected by cleft lips.

Dr. Justin Rubena highlighted the need for surgical repair for cleft deformities, which affect nearly one in every 1,700 births worldwide.

Despite efforts to help more cleft lip patients, Rubena says there are obstacles, including communication difficulties and community resistance due to cultural misunderstandings.