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By Muinat Usman
The Smile Train Initiative, in partnership with the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), has successfully treated no fewer than 250 patients with cleft-lip conditions in Kwara State over the past 18 years, with a renewed focus on delivering comprehensive and quality healthcare.
Prof. AbdulRasheed Nasir, Team Lead of Smile Train Partners at UITH, disclosed this in Ilorin during the 2025 Cleft Awareness Day held at Oke-Oyi community, Ilorin East Local Government Area.
He explained that the awareness rally was organized to sensitize the public about congenital deformities such as cleft lip and palate, stressing that Smile Train continues to provide free surgical interventions for affected children.
“The foundation is ready to admit and repair as many cleft cases as we can get,”
Nasir said, noting that the initiative has shifted its emphasis from quantity to quality care.
According to him, the organization not only provides surgical repairs but also offers holistic support, including psychological counseling, nutritional care, speech therapy, and dental interventions. He added that healthcare providers under the programme undergo continuous training on advanced techniques in cleft repair.
Nasir highlighted that regular reviews and feedback sessions are held among stakeholders to monitor outcomes and identify areas for improvement, while community outreach remains key to reaching patients in rural areas.
In his remarks, the Baale of Oke-Oyi, Alhaji Saliu Abdulkadir-Ayandeji, commended Smile Train and UITH for their humanitarian service, describing it as life-saving. He urged healthcare professionals to remain committed despite emerging health challenges and assured the community’s support for the programme’s sustainability.
With its comprehensive approach, Smile Train says it is determined to improve the overall well-being and quality of life of patients with cleft lip and palate in Kwara and beyond.
