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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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- Where We Work Explore the countries and regions we work in.
- Education and Training Read how we're educating health care providers.
- Youth Empowerment Read about our commitment to the next generation.
- Policy and Advocacy See how we work with governments to create change.
- Strategic Partners Explore our nonprofit and NGO partners.
- Thought Leadership Learn how we are at the forefront of our field.
Give children the chance to grow up without life-threatening health problems and social stigma.
- Ways to Give Learn about how you can transform lives.
- Share Your Medical Expertise Become a medical volunteer.
- Student Programs Join our global community of students.
- Advocate for Us Spread the word about us.
- Partner With Us Become a corporate partner.
Since our founding in 1982, Operation Smile has believed that access to safe surgery is not a privilege, but a universal human right.
- Our Story and Impact Explore our rich history and exciting future.
- Our Leadership Meet our leadership team.
- Corporate Partners Learn about our corporate partners.
- Financials and Reports Read our annual reports and financial statements.
- News and Media Read the latest news from us.
- Interactive Learning Center Visit us in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
- Careers Find a career that matches your passion.
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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.

Asia and the Pacific

Double the Smiles

Africa

The Extra Mile

Africa

A Pioneer’s Impact

Asia and the Pacific

Discovering the Causes of Cleft, Part 2

The International Family Study gathers critical information about the causes of cleft conditions. Former project manager Frederick Brindopke answers frequently asked questions about the study.

Asia and the Pacific

Discovering the Causes of Cleft, Part 1

The International Family Study is pioneering research into the causes of cleft. One cleft-affected family in the Philippines is of particular interest to the study.

Africa

The Solution

Asia and the Pacific

Paying It Forward: Q&A with Dr. Dane Hoang

Honduras

The Commitment: Don Alex’s Story, Part 2

Honduras

The Son: Don Alex’s Story, Part 1

Get Involved

You can give a child the chance to grow up happy and healthy — free from stigma and isolation, and full of hope for the future.

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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