Stronger Together: Advancing Comprehensive Cleft Care Across Francophone Africa

In May 2026, Yaoundé, Cameroon, became a hub for collaboration, learning, and a shared commitment to ensuring that every child with a cleft lip or palate has access to safe, timely, and comprehensive care.

Smile Train, alongside the Cameroon Ministry of Public Health and other dedicated partners, hosted the 2nd Francophone Africa Cleft Congress, bringing together multidisciplinary healthcare professionals from across the region. Together, we are creating a future where high-quality cleft care is not defined by geography but is available to all.

A Shared Vision for Every Child

Approximately 14,000 children are born with a cleft lip and/or palate every year in Francophone Africa, and many of them face severe barriers to timely care.

This year’s congress brought together delegations from 22 African countries together with international experts in pursuit of one goal: ensuring no child with a cleft is left behind.

Guided by the theme “Holistic Care for Cleft Lip and Palate in Francophone Africa: Current Landscape and Future Perspectives,” discussions focused not only on treatment but on building systems to support children at every stage of their journey.

Empowering Local Providers to Lead Change

At Smile Train, we believe sustainable progress begins with local expertise.

Over two days, the Congress featured 68 scientific communications, alongside conferences, workshops, and symposiums covering:

• Surgery and anesthesia
• Speech therapy and orthodontics
• Nutrition and community-based care

These sessions highlighted both the progress being made and the opportunities ahead — from improving surgical techniques and managing complications to strengthening follow-up care and family support systems.

Through our locally led model, Smile Train supports partners across Africa to deliver care within their own communities, helping make over 200,000 cleft surgeries possible in sub-Saharan Africa to date.

Because when local professionals are supported, cleft surgery for children isn’t just a one-off event — it’s a relationship that lasts for a lifetime.

Government Leadership and the Power of Partnership

The Congress also highlighted the vital role of government leadership in expanding access to care.

Representing Cameroon’s Minister of Public Health, Technical Adviser No. 2 Professor Mendimi Nkodo Joseph Marie delivered a powerful message during the opening ceremony, reminding participants that no child should have to live with a treatable condition and reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening access to quality care.

This spirit of collaboration extended beyond government. Synergies Africaines, a valued partner founded by Cameroon’s First Lady, Chantal Biya, was represented by Moukouri Alain Siegfried, head of the country’s International Cooperation Division.

He emphasized the importance of working together across sectors, calling for stronger collaboration between governments, professional societies, and communities. His message reflected a shared understanding throughout the Congress: sustainable impact is built through partnership.

Cameroon: A Growing Hub for Cleft Care

Hosting the Congress in Cameroon also spotlighted the country’s growing impact in cleft care.

Since launching our first local partnerships there in 2004, Smile Train has supported:

With an estimated 819 children born with clefts each year, the need remains — but so does the momentum.

Beyond Surgery: Supporting Every Step of the Journey

A cleft surgery can transform a life — but it is only one step.

The Congress reinforced that comprehensive cleft care means addressing every aspect of a child’s development, from nutrition before surgery to speech therapy, orthodontic care, psychosocial support, and more afterwards.

Discussions also highlighted the importance of:

• Strong post-operative follow-up
• Family involvement in care
• Reducing stigma and improving community awareness

Together, these elements ensure that children don’t just receive treatment — they gain the opportunity to thrive.

Building Sustainable Systems for the Future

A key takeaway from Smile Train’s symposium was the need to strengthen locally led, multidisciplinary ecosystems of care.

Participants emphasized:

• Ongoing training for healthcare professionals
• Data sharing and research collaboration
• Strong regional partnerships

These efforts are helping build systems that are not only effective but also sustainable for the long term.

A Shared Path Forward

As the Congress concluded, it was clear that this work is part of something bigger — a growing movement across the region.

In a symbolic moment, the leadership baton was passed from Professor Mouafo Tambo Faustin, President of the Local Organizing Committee in Cameroon, to Professor Emmanuel Konan of Côte d’Ivoire, who will host the next Francophone Congress in 2029.

This handover reflected more than a transition. It reflected trust, continuity, and a shared commitment to keep strengthening cleft care across Africa.

Looking Ahead: A Future Built on Partnership

The 2nd Francophone Africa Cleft Congress is a reminder of what is possible when we come together.

The major takeaways from the Congress were:

• Too many children are still waiting for care. Reaching them will require all of us to continue working together.
• Governments have an important role to play in helping integrate cleft care into national health systems and expanding access to essential services.
• Medical institutions should invest in training and multidisciplinary care to strengthen outcomes. 
• Smile Train partners and other stakeholders should continue to support innovation, research, and collaboration, while communities should help raise awareness and ensure families know that care is available.
• Each of these actions matters.

Together, we can build stronger systems that reach every child, no matter where they were born or how much their parents earn. We can ensure that cleft care is not just available, but accessible, affordable, and comprehensive.

Because when we empower local providers, strengthen partnerships, and invest in long-term solutions, we do more than provide care.

We help children discover their voices, grow with confidence, and realize their full potential.