Cleft Bangladesh is a collaborative initiative between international and Bangladeshi NGOs and surgeons, launched in November 2018. Our mission is to provide free, comprehensive treatment for all Bangladeshis born with cleft lip and palate, one of the most common congenital facial deformities.
Through hospital-based surgeries and nationwide surgical missions, Cleft Bangladesh ensures children and adults receive the care they need. Our key partners include Deutsche Cleft Kinderhilfe (DCKH) from Germany, Operation Cleft Australia (OCA), and the Bangladeshi Syed Nuruddin Ahmed Development Foundation (SNADF). DCKH oversees administrative coordination and program growth.
Understanding Cleft Lip and Palate
Cleft Lip: Occurs when the upper lip’s skin and muscles do not fuse properly, affecting appearance and function.
Cleft Palate: Happens when the roof of the mouth fails to form correctly, impacting eating, speech, and oral health.
Beyond physical challenges, children with clefts often face social stigma. In Bangladesh, misconceptions sometimes lead to isolation of affected children, and mothers are unfairly blamed for the condition.
Long-Term Care for Cleft Patients
Treatment extends from infancy through early adulthood, including:
Surgeries and follow-up procedures
Speech therapy and orthodontics
Dental implants and rhinoplasty
Currently, Bangladesh lacks a comprehensive cleft treatment center. SNADF, with support from DCKH, is building a Multidisciplinary Comprehensive Cleft Care Center to provide holistic, life-changing care to cleft patients nationwide.
For more information, contact: 01819-532508 or email arsalan@snadfoundation.org
