Quick Facts

• Approximately 1 in 500 children in developing countries are born with a facial deformity. Approximately 1 in 700 children in developed countries are born with a facial deformity.
• Children with facial deformities who do not receive reconstructive surgery often have difficulty breathing, drinking, eating and speaking. As a result, many suffer from malnutrition, medical and psychological problems.
• In as little as 45 minutes, one cleft lip surgery can change a child's life forever.
• A cleft lip operation costs as little as $360.
• Operation Smile Australia is a registered not-for-profit organization registered under the Charities Act.
• Operation Smile Australia is part of a global alliance of Operation Smile Foundations and Resource Chapters dedicated to providing free treatment to children and adults suffering from cleft lips and cleft palates.
• Since 1982, more than 115,000 children and young adults have been treated by thousands of Operation Smile volunteers worldwide and thousands of health care professionals have been trained globally.
• Operation Smile provides care for children in 51 countries. 9 resource countries raise funds and provide medical volunteers, while 42 program countries receive education and training and conduct surgeries.