Smile Train Ibn Sina Hospital Cleft Project
Restoring Smiles, Dignity, and Opportunity
Launched in June 2011, the Smile Train–Ibn Sina Hospital Cleft Project is a long standing collaboration between Smile Train USA, SNAD Foundation Bangladesh, and Ibn Sina Hospital Sylhet Limited. This partnership delivers free, high quality cleft lip and palate surgeries to children across Bangladesh, removing financial barriers to care and giving children the chance to grow, learn, and thrive with confidence.
The Challenge: Cleft Care Beyond Reach
Cleft lip and palate are among the most common congenital conditions in Bangladesh, yet access to treatment remains limited for many families. High surgical costs, social stigma, and widespread misconceptions often leave children untreated, isolated, and excluded from education and social life. Without timely intervention, these conditions can affect nutrition, speech development, and long term well being.
Our Intervention and Impact
As the local implementation partner, SNAD Foundation Bangladesh coordinates patient identification, outreach, logistics, and awareness activities, ensuring children from underserved communities can access safe and timely surgery. Experienced surgeons at Ibn Sina Hospital provide free corrective procedures, supported by Smile Train’s global expertise and funding. Alongside surgery, the project runs nationwide cleft awareness programs through Union Health Centers and district level consultations with government officials, civil society leaders, and media. Community education materials help reduce stigma, promote early detection, and encourage families to seek treatment.
Since its launch, the project has provided free cleft surgeries to approximately 5,500 children, transforming lives and restoring dignity. This intervention directly supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well Being) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by expanding access to essential healthcare and ensuring no child is left behind because of poverty or stigma.