The Cleft and Facial Deformity Foundation, under the leadership of Dr. Seidu Bello, has commenced a free craniofacial surgery program for 35 patients suffering from facial tumors in Cross River State. This initiative is being conducted in collaboration with a medical team from the TY Danjuma Foundation.
Program Launch at UCTH
The 30th edition of the foundation's free craniofacial surgery program was officially launched on Tuesday at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) in Calabar. Dr. Seidu Bello, Chief Executive Officer of the Cleft and Deformity Foundation, stated that he and his team traveled to Calabar with the mission to help underprivileged individuals burdened by facial tumors regain their self-confidence.
Global Prevalence of Cleft Conditions
Dr. Bello provided insights into the global occurrence of cleft conditions, noting that in America, one in every 300 babies is born with a cleft, while in Europe and Asia, the rate is one in every 700 babies. In Africa, the incidence is lower, with one in every 2,500 babies affected. He remarked that despite lower prevalence in Africa, the condition still requires significant attention.
Call for a Dedicated Craniofacial Hospital
Dr. Bello renewed his appeal for the establishment of a specialized craniofacial hospital in Nigeria. He revealed that the foundation has plans for a facility estimated to cost approximately one billion naira. He emphasized that the federal government and philanthropic individuals could also contribute to setting up such a hospital. He stressed the need for funding and a specialized center equipped to provide comprehensive treatment and care.
Dr. Bello urged the Federal Government of Nigeria and well-meaning individuals to support the creation of a standalone craniofacial hospital to assist indigent patients with facial deformities. He explained that a fully equipped hospital would be capable of performing complex craniofacial surgeries, including facial reconstruction and microvascular transfers. Additionally, it would serve as a training and research hub to advance knowledge and skills in this specialized field.
He pointed out that while maxillofacial units exist across the country, there is currently no dedicated craniofacial facility in Nigeria. He argued that establishing one hospital in each of the six geopolitical zones would create centers of excellence, providing comprehensive care for patients with facial deformities and elevating the standard of craniofacial surgery in the nation.
Foundation's Track Record
Dr. Bello highlighted the foundation's achievements, stating that they have performed approximately 2,750 complex craniofacial surgeries and conducted awareness campaigns across various communities in Nigeria over the past 15 years. He noted that they have encountered numerous forms of facial deformities during this period.
Government and Partner Support
Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, commended the foundation for its initiative. He acknowledged that health issues have become increasingly complex and require serious attention, adding that no single entity can address them alone. He proposed collaboration between the TY Danjuma Foundation, the Cleft and Facial Deformity Foundation, and the foundation run by the wife of the Cross River State Governor to sustain the program.
Dr. Mrs. Eucheria Abua, Programme Officer for Health at the TY Danjuma Foundation, expressed gratitude to the team for coming together to assist patients who were in dire need of help.
Beneficiaries Express Gratitude
In separate interviews, some beneficiaries thanked the Cleft and Facial Deformity Foundation and the TY Danjuma Foundation for their support. One beneficiary said, "We never dreamed of having money for surgery, but their magnanimity has given us hope and confidence in ourselves once again."
