Cleft lip and cleft palate are among
1 in
500-750
children
are born
with cleft
Over 6
million
people in the world
currently have an
unrepaired cleft
At least
1 in 10
children in
developing nations
will die as a result
of cleft
Over
170,000
newborns are
affected each year
– many without
access to care
While these statistics can be staggering, Bright Faces is unrelenting in our mission to heal smiles and change lives. We are committed to providing free surgeries and treatment to those in greatest need – reaching patients that live in the most remote places and without access to care.
We believe
every child,
every person,
and every smile
matters.
A cleft is life-altering and life-threatening.
An unrepaired cleft is not simply a cosmetic issue. For many, it can mean the difference between being lost in despair and isolation and fulfilling a life of hope and promise. For others, it’s a matter of life and death.
Nutrition
Breastfeeding is the only source of nutrition for many newborns, and an unrepaired cleft can make it nearly impossible to properly feed. That means babies don’t gain the weight they need and die from starvation and dehydration.
Health
For those children who do survive, they can become malnourished and more susceptible to other health issues and potentially fatal diseases.
Development
Dental, hearing and speech can also be affected, with many children having difficulty developing the language skills needed to communicate effectively.
Socialization
Unrepaired clefts can contribute to children and young adults becoming outcasts in their communities and are often kept at home, unable or unwilling to play outside and make friends.
Education
The isolation can extend to further developmental issues due to a lack of education as children often don’t go to school for fear of being singled out and bullying.
A life transformed
8-month old Tandin was born in small and remote village in eastern Bhutan. She was only one in her family ever born with a cleft lip and palate. In fact, Tandin’s parents had never seen or heard of this before — until someone in their village said another child many years ago had the same condition. But this child passed away soon after he was born.
Upon hearing this news, Tandin’s parents lost hope. Her mother cried everyday worrying that her first and only child would one day not wake up.
Thankfully, Tandin was able to receive a free cleft lip surgery through a Bright Faces partnership program. She has recovered, and her parents are so grateful and looking forward to a happier .
