Five Ways Operation Smile Builds Hope Every Day

Last year, the United Nations recognized July 12 as the International Day of Hope, highlighting hope as a powerful force for peace, sustainable development and collective progress.

At Operation Smile, hope is more than a feeling. It is something we build together every day. For nearly 45 years, we have worked alongside patients, families, healthcare providers, communities, governments, NGOs and partners to expand access to safe surgery and comprehensive care. Every surgery completed, provider trained and partnership built reflects the collective commitment of people who believe everyone deserves access to care.

This International Day of Hope, we are reflecting on five ways hope comes to life through our work around the world.

1. Bringing Care Within Reach

Hope looks like a family knowing that care is possible. For many families, distance, cost and limited access to specialized services can make safe surgical care difficult to reach.

Operation Smile brings safe surgery and comprehensive cleft care closer to patients and communities across 37 countries.

In the mountains of Khuôn Hà, Vietnam, Tú’s family knew their son needed care but faced the challenge of reaching it. After learning about an Operation Smile program at Vietnam Cuba Hospital in Hanoi, Tú and his family traveled to receive surgery and essential care. The journey required commitment and perseverance, but it opened the door to a healthier future for Tú and greater peace of mind for his family.

In Mexico, Sebastian’s story shows that hope continues beyond a single procedure. After connecting with Operation Smile as a newborn, Sebastian received comprehensive care, including feeding support, speech therapy, dental care and three surgeries. His journey reflects the importance of caring for the whole person throughout every stage of life.

When care is within reach, people have greater opportunities to thrive.

2. Equipping Local Healthcare Providers

Hope looks like a healthcare provider gaining the skills, confidence and support to transform lives in their own community.

Safe surgical care depends on skilled teams who understand the needs of the people they serve. Through education, mentorship and hands-on training, Operation Smile equips surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists and other healthcare professionals to provide safe, high-quality care locally.

Through Operation 100, our commitment to bring care closer to home, Operation Smile is investing in local providers and infrastructure to strengthen district hospitals and expand access to essential surgical care.

Around the world, mentorship is helping create a new generation of healthcare leaders. In Guatemala, Dr. Ivania Santos, D.D.S., is gaining specialized surgical experience through mentorship while building the skills needed to care for patients in her own community. Her journey reflects the power of investing in local providers who can continue expanding access where it’s needed most.

In Burundi, Dr. Clovis Paulin Baramburiye, M.D., FCS (ECSA), is helping open a new chapter for surgical care as the country’s first plastic and reconstructive surgeon. After pursuing specialized training, he returned home to serve patients, teach future healthcare professionals and help make specialized surgical care more accessible for people across Burundi.

Ivania’s and Clovis’ stories show how investing in local providers creates lasting change and helps communities lead their own healthcare solutions.

3. Creating a Ripple Effect of Lasting Change

Hope looks like one person’s transformation inspiring an entire community.

The impact of care extends far beyond the operating room. When patients receive care, they gain confidence, new opportunities and the ability to participate more fully in their communities. Families are strengthened, and the impact can continue across generations.

Abril’s story in Puebla, Mexico, shows how hope can come full circle. Born with a cleft palate, Abril faced challenges with her speech and confidence while growing up. After learning about an Operation Smile program through her aunt, she received surgery and speech therapy that helped her find her voice and build confidence in herself.

Inspired by the care she received, Abril chose to give back. Today, she volunteers with Operation Smile Mexico, helping patients and families feel welcomed and supported during their own journeys. She is also studying nursing, with the hope of continuing to care for others in the future.

Her story is a reminder that when we invest in people, the impact can continue far beyond one moment of care.

4. Strengthening Local Health Systems

Hope looks like communities having the systems they need to care for their own people.

Lasting access to surgical care requires strong health systems, local expertise and infrastructure. Around the world, many people still face barriers to essential surgical care. In Kenya, for example, long travel distances, high costs and limited access to specialized services continue to prevent some patients from receiving timely treatment.

Earlier this year, Operation Smile supported the launch of Kenya’s first National Surgical Services Strategic Plan 2026–2031, a roadmap to expand access to safe, affordable and quality surgical, obstetric and anesthesia care across the country.

Operation Smile played a key role in shaping this national effort, providing technical and financial support alongside Kenya’s Ministry of Health and local partners.

By strengthening the surgical workforce, investing in local health capacity and improving access to care, this strategy will help bring high-quality services closer to patients and communities, particularly those facing the greatest barriers.

When health systems are stronger, care can reach more people for generations to come.

5. Building Partnerships That Expand Access

Hope looks like people and organizations coming together to create solutions no one can achieve alone.

Operation Smile works alongside governments, healthcare institutions, global organizations and partners to strengthen health systems and expand access to safe surgical care.

By contributing to global health conversations and solutions, Operation Smile helps ensure the experiences and needs of patients and communities are represented in discussions about the future of healthcare.

During the World Health Assembly, Operation Smile joined global leaders, policymakers and partners to advance conversations on surgical planning, workforce development and stronger health systems. Through these discussions, Operation Smile shared lessons from communities around the world and highlighted the importance of locally led solutions.

These collaborations help turn ideas into action and bring safe, high-quality care closer to the people and communities who need it most.