Sylvester Idowu in Warri
Teem Clinic Dental Services Limited and a renowned international charity organisation, Smile Train, would embark on an initiative to provide free medical surgery for children suffering from cleft lip and cleft palate sickness in Effurun, Warri, and environs in Delta State.
The initiative, which would kick off on April 10, would address cleft Lip/cleft palate which is a congenital condition in which the upper lip fail to form properly thereby creating a hole in the upper lip while cleft palate is a condition where there is an opening between the mouth and the nose such that when the child swallows food, it comes from the nose.
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the Chief Executive Officer of Teem Clinic Dental, Dr. Etetefia Mabel, disclosed that the three-day event underscored the commitment of her facility with Smile Train to making the essential medical services to underserved populations who suffers a lot of stigmatisation and total neglect as a result of the disease.
“The initiative will offer a wide range of surgeries to correct defects in cleft lip/cleft palate at no cost through the generous support of Smile Train and the dedicated team of professionals at Teem Clinic Dental Services which have successfully carried out surgery on over 10 who are happily living in our society today free from that congenital condition which made life not worth living,” she said.
Dr. Etetefia noted that the free medical surgery would mark a significant milestone in the treatment of cleft lip and cleft palate in the local healthcare sector in Delta State, adding that it would take place at Teem Clinic’s facilities located along Refinery Road, Ekpan in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
She noted that cleft lip and cleft palate disease were vital aspect of overall well-being and that through this initiative, they hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the community members whose joy of having new born babies has been shattered.
“Indeed it is heartwarming to know that Smile Train, known for its global efforts to provide free cleft lip and palate surgeries, has extended its support to include dental services in collaboration with Teem Clinic.
“The organisation’s mission aligns with Teem Dental’s commitment to promoting oral health and improving access to essential medical treatments specifically in carrying out the correctional surgery of cleft lip/cleft palate.
“We are proud to partner with Smile Train to expound the reach of Teem Clinic Dental Services to reach and impact Effurun/ Warri Communities, and the whole of Delta State and beyond,” she said.
