It is estimated that 1 in every 700 new born babies in Malaysia are diagnosed with a cleft lip or palate. Although this condition is non-life threatening, its huge psychological impact may deter these children from leading normal lives.
Since its inception in 2004, the RMHC’s “Gift of Smile” Program has injected more than RM5.5 million in helping more than 1,000 children born with cleft lip and palate to undergo corrective operations. As they grow up, these children will also need additional & different stages of corrective operations to treat this birth defect. They must have proper dental care, orthodontics services, alveolar bone grafts and even speech therapy to manage or correct their conditions. It is a journey.
This journey ahead may be long and challenging but it is well worth the effort. We are proud to be able to present the “gift of smile” on these children’s faces, to be able to restore their confidence and ability to lead normal lives, this will help them grow into healthy and happy adults.