Colombia Mission Apr 2018: Extending Global Solidarity, Transforming Cleft to Smile

Mission Smile has conducted its first-ever ‘overseas pilot project’ in Colombia from 13th to 15th April 2018. This was in partnership with Latin Smile – an international charity offering cleft surgeries & cleft awareness across Latin American nations. The mission site was ISABU Instituto de Salud de Bucaramanga in Bucaramanga (known as “the pretty city of Colombia”).

The inauguration of the mission was on 13th April. Dignitaries present were Col. Shivaji Samaddar- COO Mission Smile, Dr Ramkumar Venkateswaran- CMO Mission Smile, Dr Javier Soto- Chief of Latin Smile and the Directors of the Partner hospital.

The team from Mission Smile and Latin Smile met H.E. Shri Ravi Bangar. He is India’s ambassador to Columbia and Ecuador. They briefed him about Mission Smile. He also knew about our activities in India and our plans in Latin America in partnership with Latin Smile. His Excellency, Shri Bangar gave valuable advice and extended his support. Mission Smile got wide coverage about the Mission in Colombia in all national dailies.

The combined team of volunteers from both Mission Smile & Latin Smile worked hand-in-hand for screening 39 patients. They performed 20 cleft corrective surgeries on 14th & 15th April 2018. All the surgeries were successful, and all the patients, mainly children, are looking forward to a life free from cleft.

 

We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the Governor of Santander, the Mayor of Bucaramanga, the mission hospital team and volunteers from Latin Smile for their unflinching support in making the pilot project successful.

We hope that our Colombia Mission will pave the way for similar international partnerships in Latin America and beyond.

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