Lip and Palate Cleft Surgeries

Cleft lips and palates are anomalies that occur during the early weeks of embryonic development. Predisposition is the leading cause, and studies indicate that other contributing factors might include folic acid or vitamin B deficiency, the use of anti-seizure medications, exposure to chemicals and infectious disease in the mother during pregnancy. Specific environmental agents have also been cited as disruptive to the normal development of a fetus.

 

Alliance for Smiles is a nonprofit organization founded in 2004 in San Francisco. They provide free surgical repairs for cleft lip and cleft palate, with missions mainly in the continents of Asia and Africa.

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I was privileged to document their mission in Can Tho, Vietnam, during June/July 2023. 

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