In a remarkable event, Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft-focused charity, showered accolades on the proponents of Nigeria’s National Surgical, Obstetrics, Anaesthesia, and Nursing Plan (NSOANP) for their unwavering commitment to advancing quality surgical, obstetric, anaesthesia, and nursing care in Africa.
Addressing the audience at the ongoing fourth NSOANP and National Cleft Care Stakeholders Forum in Abuja, Mrs. Nkeiruka Obi, Smile Train’s Vice President and Director for Africa, extolled the investment and steadfast implementation of the NSOANP, catapulting Nigeria to the forefront of advocating for top-notch surgical healthcare services globally.
Mrs. Obi also emphasized the importance of fostering collaboration and innovation among stakeholders to enhance quality cleft care within local communities.
“Smile Train takes pride in supporting the implementation of NSOANP, which has positioned Nigeria as the benchmark for other African countries. The inclusion of perioperative nursing within the plan is a triumph for our healthcare frontline. Moreover, prioritizing children’s surgery is a major victory for providers in this specialized field,” she remarked.
She went on to emphasize that the strides made through the NSOANP pave the way for advocacy and contribute significantly to the realization of Universal Health Coverage.
Dr. Jimoh Salaudeen, the Chair of the NSOANP implementation committee, echoed the commendation, acknowledging the tireless efforts of the experts in delivering quality surgical services within local communities. He also lauded Smile Train for its invaluable support throughout the implementation process.
The event also witnessed the celebration of media professionals Ezedimbu Karen Ogom of the African Independent Television, Lara Adejoro of the Media Talk Africa Newspaper, and Blessing Omeche Ebute of the Nigerian Television Authority at the Cleft Awareness Media Awards. This acknowledgment, now in its third consecutive year, honors media professionals for their efforts in raising awareness, dispelling myths, and combating the stigma surrounding clefts.
The impact of Smile Train’s programs in Nigeria since 2002 has been profound. It has transformed the lives of over 30,000 beneficiaries through its network of 54 partner hospitals across all states of Nigeria. Furthermore, Smile Train’s collaborations across Africa have resulted in more than 170,000 life-changing cleft surgeries, forging partnerships with over 245 hospitals and 255 medical partners in 42 countries.
Smile Train’s commitment extends beyond surgeries. The organization strategically invests in education and training, fostering partnerships with organizations such as Scottish Charity KidsOR, the College of Surgeons of East, Central, and Southern Africa, and the West African College of Surgeons to provide scholarships across various categories. In an upcoming endeavor, Smile Train will establish Africa’s first Cleft Leadership Centre in Ghana, aimed at building the capacity of cleft professionals to administer global standards of care at local levels.
The strides made through the NSOANP and the unwavering commitment of Smile Train have undoubtedly set the stage for a brighter future, not only for Nigeria but for the entire African continent.
This article was crafted with care to capture the essence of transformative progress in surgical care, bearing a message that resonates globally.
