To ensure that every child with a cleft lip or palate has access to surgical care, the Renowned Adventurers and Cipla Foundation members have embarked on a significant journey along the coastline of Ghana. Led by David Grier, an inspirational speaker from Cape Town, South Africa, and his friend, Andrew Stuart, the initiative, named ‘Miles for Smile', aims to raise awareness and funds for corrective surgeries.
By the end of June 2024, it is anticipated that surgical care will be provided for approximately 410 children in Ghana, with each cleft surgery costing around $700.
Approximately one in every 1,000 babies in Africa is born with a cleft lip or palate, and in Ghana, it is estimated that one in every 760 children is born with this condition. Tragically, one in 10 children born with a cleft will die before their first birthday. Those who survive often face malnutrition, frequent infections, speech difficulties, and social ostracism due to their appearance. However, a relatively quick operation can result in a life-changing smile for these children.
Through the Cipla Foundation initiative, Miles for Smiles, in collaboration with Operation Smile, efforts are being made to ensure that every child with a cleft lip or palate is treated and cared for. Adventurers Grier and Stuart will run 160 kilometres in four days along the coastline of Ghana, starting from the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital and finishing at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra.
David and Andrew are no strangers to epic undertakings. In 2018, the duo ran roughly 4,200 kilometres along the entire length of The Great Wall of China, also to raise funds for much-needed cleft surgeries.
Mr. Paul Miller, the CEO of Cipla Africa, emphasized the company's philosophy of doing well while doing good. He expressed the importance of making a positive impact in local communities, starting with the launch of Miles for Smiles in Ghana to fund life-changing surgeries. Miller highlighted the value of a smile as a promise of peace and love, underscoring Cipla's commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind.
In March, a speech surgical program was held at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, supported by a team of local and international volunteers. Operation Smile Ghana screened 64 patients and performed 34 surgeries to enhance the speech of patients who had previously received cleft palate surgery.