SENIOR RESEARCH SPECIAL ISSUE
The Operation Smile Edition
2016
Senior Research is the result of efforts and contributions from both the editors and Operation Smile Cape Town. This forms part of a senior research project that lead to us working in collaboration with the NGO operation smile. The magazine includes images, info, highlights and interviews. Enjoy!
Maxinne Mboweni
SENIOR RESEARCH MAGAZINE
| Nov 2016
CONTENT
FAQ A SMILE IS MADAGASCAR MISSION INTERVIEW
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Operation Smile International was founded in 1982 by Dr.Bill and Kathy Magee and headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia. Operation Smile South Africa (OSSA) has treated more than 4 000 children since 2006. Since 1982, more than 200 000 children and young adults have been treated by thousands of Operation Smile volunteers worldwide and thousands of healthcare professionals have been trained globally. Operation Smile provides care for children in 60 countries worldwide. Nine resource countries raise funds and provide medical volunteers, while 42 program countries receive education and training and conduct surgeries. Operation Smile works in 13 countries in Africa. More than 5,000 medical professionals from around the world volunteer with Operation Smile.
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What causes clefting?
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The exact cause is unknown. Scientists believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as drugs, infections, maternal illnesses, maternal smoking and alcohol use, malnutrition and possibly, deficiency of the B vitamin in folic acid may lead to a cleft lip or cleft palate. If one child in a family is born with a cleft, the risk increases by 2 to 4 percent that future children in the family will suffer from the same defect. Can clefting be prevented? Scientists are researching methods to prevent cleft lips and cleft palates, but little is known to date. According to a recent study, mothers who take multivitamins containing folic acid before conception and during the first two months of pregnancy may reduce their risk of giving birth to a baby with a cleft. Researchers have also found that maternal smoking increases the risk of clefts. Other studies suggest that high doses of vitamin A may play a role in some birth defects, including cleft lips and cleft palates; women should not take more than the U.S. Recommended Dietary Allowance of 5,000 international units of vitamin A. Can cleft lips and cleft palates be repaired? Yes. Surgery provides excellent results. A pediatrician and a plastic surgeon work with a child’s parents to choose the best timing for surgery. Most surgeons agree that a cleft lip should be repaired by the time a baby is 3 months old. To repair the partition of mouth and nose as early as possible, a cleft palate generally is repaired between the ages of 12 and 18 months. Any surgical procedure is dependent upon a child’s general health and the nature of the cleft lip or cleft palate.
@OPERATION SMILE SOUTH AFRICA
#whatisasmile a campaign feat everyday people who tell us what makes them smile while holding images of children who received safe and hygienic surgery in 3rd world countries.
What makes you smile?
Anesu Rusike – Student
I love little pieces of familiarity. I love getting dressed everyday to take on a new day. My friends make me smile, but also myself. I feel content lately; the power of a smile should not be underestimated.
Rouwan Carlson A smile is what happens when your happy. My family makes me smile esp my younger siblings.
Chawezi Chiwara-Student A smile is something I’m definitely almost always doing. Its amazing to know that within 45 min Operation Smile can give someone the smile they’ve always wanted.
Rita Gamede- Chef
A smile is being proud of your physical existence and letting the world know it! A smile is indeed a beautiful thing
See more at #OperationSmile on Facebook
MISSION For the full interview of Reza and Sakeenah’s experience in Madagascar see our audio interview
I share the real life personal story of Sekonyela K, who had cleft palate reconstructive surgery
Tracking down children affected with cleft palate in South Africa is indeed no easy feat. However i got into touch with Sekonyela’s parenrs father who was more than happy to discuss Sekonyela’s ‘miricle surgery’. Benji Maponste was estactic when he heard he was soon to be a father to a little girl. When i found out she had a cleft palate i was confused but at the same time elated that i was a new father. Luckily the hospital staff where able to help out and educate us, as well as ensure that if we wanted to we could easily apply for reconstructive surgery. Although i look back at images of Sekonyela smiling happily even before the surgery , and realize that even before the surgery she was adorable and perfect . We cannot ignore the stigmatism she wouldve had to grow up with.
Living any form of disability in South Africa is indeed difficult .Aside from that as a parent I am happy with my decision as the surgery was so fast and non invasive. For us it was a miracle and a chance to get educated about something most people know nothing about!