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Operation Smile has transformed lives around the world by providing care to patients for more than 40 years.
- Cleft Explained Get the basics on cleft conditions.
- Surgery and Beyond Learn how cleft care is more than surgery.
- Real-Life Stories Read stories from our patients and volunteers.
Shaping the Future of Africa’s Health Care

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We are transforming communities through education, empowerment and collaboration.
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Since our founding in 1982, Operation Smile has believed that access to safe surgery is not a privilege, but a universal human right.
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- Cleft Explained
- Surgery and Beyond
- Real-Life Stories
- Where We Work
- Education and Training
- Youth Empowerment
- Policy and Advocacy
- Strategic Partners
- Thought Leadership
- Ways to Give
- Share Your Medical Expertise
- Student Programs
- Advocate for Us
- Partner With Us
- Our Story and Impact
- Our Leadership
- Corporate Partners
- Financials and Reports
- News and Media
- Interactive Learning Center
- Careers

Real-Life Stories

These stories — from patients, health care providers, students and more — are made possible through the generous support from donors like you.

Featured Stories

Featured Story

Meet Adolphe: A Bubbly Baby with Bright Eyes and a Brand-New Smile

In northwestern Rwanda, a 6 month old receives much need care thanks to Operation Smile.

Read His Story

Recent Stories

Read the latest stories from Operation Smile.

Guatemala

Scenes from Guatemala

Seven days. Forty-seven new smiles. Five photos that capture an incredible week at San Benito Regional Hospital in Guatemala.

Africa

Reaching More Patients in More Places: Training Providers to Expand Surgical Care

In a special edition Devex’s weekly podcast, Operation Smile Chief Medical Officer Billy Magee III, D.D.S., M.D., and University of Rwanda Professor Faustin Ntirenganya, M.D., MMED, FCS(Ecsa), DIU, FACS, Ph.D., talk about the state of access to surgery worldwide.

Latin America and the Caribbean

Ripple Effect: From Operation Smile Patient to Dentistry Student

Meet a young Peruvian woman leading the way for other volunteers, spreading hope and awareness about cleft conditions to her community.

Africa

Shaping the Future of Africa’s Health Care: Key Lessons from the First Pan-African Surgical Conference

Educators, policymakers and health care leaders gather to discuss the urgent need to increase the number of surgeons and improve access to surgical care across Africa.

Global

Behind the Scenes at Operation Smile, Scientific Research and Community Impact Studies Go Hand-in-Hand

Meet the woman responsible for making the organization a thought-leader in everything from genetic research to understanding health care perceptions.

Global

Behind the Lens with Operation Smile’s Volunteer Photographers

Patient Imaging Technicians do more than document patients before and after surgery; they help health care workers improve the care they provide.

Africa

Bringing Care Closer: Expanding Care and Medical Training in Rwanda

Through locally led, globally supported education programs, Operation Smile and its partners create a plan for sustainable health care across Africa.

Africa

Mobile Speech Therapy Clinic Connects Communities in Ghana to Vital Care

Step inside the bus that brings invaluable care and expertise to young patients close to home.

Africa

On the Ground with Operation Smile’s Surgical Training Program in Rwanda

Discover how investing in the development of locally-based health care providers increases access to essential care to a whole community – now and for the future.

Get Involved

You can give children a chance to grow up without life-threatening health problems, social stigma, isolation and feelings of hopelessness.

More Ways to Get Involved

Make Your Gift

Your gift today will help transform lives and increase access to essential surgical care.

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