STAAN Activities and Recent Events

Smile Train Africa Alumni Network members smiling during a speaker session

WACS 2026 STAAN Hangout — Accra, Ghana

At the 66th Annual Scientific Conference of the West African College of Surgeons (WACS), Smile Train Africa Alumni Network (STAAN) hosted a special alumni hangout celebrating mentorship, lifelong learning, and our shared commitment to strengthening cleft surgical capacity across West Africa.

Moderated by Dr. Robert Nii Larmie (Ghana), the session featured insights from leading alumni, including:

Dr. Oti Aria (Nigeria) – President of STAAN
Dr. Janet Perenko (Ghana) – Smile Train–supported WACS Best Scholar
Dr. Emile Tano (Ghana) – Cleft Leadership Center advocate
Participants also heard the inspiring story of Dr. Kelvin Osei (Ghana), who was born with a cleft and is now a dental surgeon working toward becoming a cleft surgeon — a powerful testament to the long-term impact of accessible cleft care.

The session concluded with mentorship guidance from Prof. Solomon Obiri Yeboah (Ghana), whose leadership continues to shape the next generation of cleft professionals in Africa.

Join the STAAN Community

STAAN continues to grow, bringing together dedicated professionals united by their passion for improving cleft care and empowering the next generation of African health leaders.

If you are a Smile Train–supported alumnus and would like to join the network, connect with us through your local Smile Train program manager on Africa@smiletrain.org.