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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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- 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.
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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

Adolphe, before surgery

Adolphe, before surgery

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.

Tereza smiles while listening to a presentation

Brazil

Celebrating World Breastfeeding Week

A surgical resident plays with children during a program in Puebla, Mexico.

Latin America and the Caribbean

Through a Resident’s Eyes

Dan Bradley presents research during the 2024 European Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association (ECPCA) Congress in Milan, Italy.

Global

Sharing Knowledge, Strengthening Health Systems

Mateo's mom hold him while at a surgical program in Puebla, Mexico.

Latin America and the Caribbean

Mateo’s Journey

Isaac, before surgery.

Dominican Republic

Meet Isaac

Isaac is a sweet 2 month old who has born with a cleft condition. His mom, Noemí, found support through Operation Smile Dominican Republic.

Katherine plays with children on screening day.

Latin America and the Caribbean

Beyond Surgery: Inspiring Moments with Operation Smile in Peru

Operation Smile Staff Member Katherine Zeveleva shares her experience at a recent surgical program.

Camila and Mateo's moms hold them while at a surgical program in Puebla, Mexico.

Latin America and the Caribbean

Meet Camila and Mateo and Their Moms

Certified plastic surgeons and plastic surgery residents gather for a photo in Kigali, Rwanda.

Africa

Local Leaders, Global Health: Building Resilient Health Systems in Africa

Dr. Dane Hoang comforts a young patient during the 2016 Operation Smile dental program at Hue Odonto-Stomatology Hospital in Hue, Vietnam.

Global

What’s Your Reason?

In honor of National Volunteer Week, observed April 22 to 26 in the US, we asked our volunteers to share why they love serving others as part of the Operation Smile family. Here’s what they said.

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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