Huế Initiative Restores Hope for Children with Birth Defects

The Maxillofacial Centre at Huế Central Hospital, in collaboration with the Interplast Volunteer Surgical Team, has provided free screenings and surgeries for children with cleft lip and palate deformities. This initiative, ongoing from March 10 to March 20, has seen participation from various international medical experts, aiming to restore children’s smiles and confidence. Since 2016, the partnership has facilitated nearly 1,200 successful surgeries, fostering better health and future opportunities for affected children.

In Huế, Vietnam, numerous children suffering from congenital disabilities, including cleft lip and palate deformities, have been given a renewed opportunity for brighter futures with free medical screenings and surgeries. This initiative was presented by the Maxillofacial Centre at Huế Central Hospital in collaboration with the Interplast Volunteer Surgical Team, taking place from March 10 to March 20.

The volunteer mission includes 13 experts and medical professionals from Germany, Italy, Austria, and Spain, who are dedicated to screening numerous children and conducting free surgeries for over 100 young patients facing these serious health challenges. The aim of this humanitarian endeavor is to restore smiles and boost the children’s confidence, allowing for better social integration.

Parents, like Trần Thị Loan from Ho Chi Minh City, have expressed immense gratitude towards the hospital staff for their dedication. Loan shared her hopes for her three-year-old son, realizing that expert care from the Interplast surgical team could lead to significant improvements in his health and appearance. She plans to re-enroll her son for further support during future visits by the team.

Doctor Peter Schachner, a member of the Interplast surgical team, emphasized their commitment to helping children access quality medical care for cleft lip and palate treatment. The seamless collaboration between the volunteers and the staff at Huế Central Hospital has been critical for ensuring successful outcomes in surgical cases.

Cleft lip and palate deformities are prevalent congenital disabilities in Asia, with Vietnam reporting an occurrence rate affecting one in every 700 to 800 births. Such conditions not only pose serious health risks but also diminish children’s self-esteem in daily interactions. Annually, the Maxillofacial Centre serves hundreds of patients with these conditions.

Since partnering with Interplast in 2016, Doctor Lợi noted that nearly 1,200 surgeries have been conducted, with the organization providing the latest surgical techniques and recovery practices. Future goals include extensive training for local medical staff regarding advanced treatments and the establishment of a dedicated treatment center for cleft lip and palate at Huế Central Hospital, enhancing overall patient care capabilities.

The ongoing partnership between Huế Central Hospital and Interplast fosters a promising framework for improving the health and quality of life for underprivileged children suffering from deformities across the nation, facilitating their journey towards regaining confidence and vibrant smiles.

The collaborative efforts between Huế Central Hospital and the Interplast Volunteer Surgical Team have significantly impacted children with cleft lip and palate deformities. The initiative not only improves physical health but also enhances the self-esteem of affected children, offering them better integration into society. As a result of nearly 1,200 surgeries since 2016, the partnership aims for continuous improvement and education in medical practices, ensuring more successful surgeries and comprehensive care in the future.

Original Source: vietnamnews.vn