PROGRAM
OF CLEFT LIP AND PALATE
Do you know Children and Adolescents with cleft lip?
We can help you!
We can help you!
Cleft is a common medical condition that can affect the lip, palate or both, which if left untreated, can lead to difficulties in breathing, eating, speaking and hearing. However, specialized comprehensive treatment significantly improves the quality of life of those with the condition.
Worldwide, it is estimated that a baby is born with a cleft every three minutes. In Mexico, approximately 1 in every 750 births presents this condition, totaling 3,500 babies annually. In Baja California Sur around 16 newborns are born with cleft each year.
It is essential to understand that cleft is a medical condition, it is not a disease, nor is it a disability.
Remember, cleft lip and/or cleft palate is a medical condition, not a disease, not a disability.
Since 2022, the Baja California Sur Cleft Program, a collaborative effort between Smile Train, Los Cabos Children's Foundation, the Health Ministry of Baja California Sur and Terapia Comunicabo A.C, has been providing comprehensive, quality and permanent care to Children and Adolescents with cleft.
In the second year of collaboration, the program has performed 72 surgeries, conducted 94 evaluations, and provided specialized services to 119 Children and Adolescents in Baja California Sur. We remain committed to offering comprehensive and ongoing care for people with cleft in Baja California Sur.
Initial assessment at birth, makes diagnosis, and referral to specialists.
Cleft repair surgeries performed in public and private hospitals.
Preventive treatments (dental cleaning, application of fluoride and pit and fissure sealants) and restorative treatments (resins, chrome steel crowns, pulpotomy, pulpectomy, among others).
Pre-surgical treatments (NAMS plates) allowing breastfeeding and feeding of patients, appliances to guide skeletal growth and orthodontics (braces) for the correction of incorrectly positioned teeth and bones.
Consultations to treat pathologies of the ear, nose and throat. Studies and surgeries to improve hearing.
Assistance for patients in vulnerable situations with travel and accommodation expenses, food supplements, medications, clinical analyses, specialized studies, genetic assessment, among others
Twice-weekly therapy sessions to improve the speech of patients with cleft.
Nutritional evaluation and dietary guidance.
Psychological and psychosocial support for patients and families.
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Smile Train is an international organization that has been operating in Mexico since 2001, standing as the sole entity dedicated to addressing cleft conditions with a sustainable approach. Through a unique model, Smile Train provides training, financial aid, and essential resources to local medical practitioners, empowering them to conduct safe and cost-free surgeries, along with comprehensive care, within their own communities. Over the years, Smile Train has forged partnerships with over 70 organizations, extending its reach to approximately 140 hospitals and treatment centers across Mexico since 2002. Supported by a network of over 250 dedicated professionals, Smile Train has facilitated more than 22,000 comprehensive treatments across nearly 30 states across Mexico. For inquiries or support, please contact Smile Train at 624 238 1577.
The cleft program at Salvatierra Hospital, in the city of La Paz, is dedicated to provide comprehensive care to Children and Adolescents with this medical condition. A team of specialists work at Salvatierra’s facilities, as well as at other medical institutions regardless of the patients’ social security affiliation or status (IMSS, ISSSTE, etc.). To contact the Health Ministry of Baja California Sur call 612 1751100 extension 1032.
Terapia Comunicabo is dedicated to enriching the lives of Children and Adolescents with cleft in Baja California Sur. Its focus is in improving their ability to communicate verbally through specialized speech and language therapy services. Additionally, it provides emotional support and educational guidance to parents of infants born with cleft through its early stimulation program. Terapia Comunicabo can be reached by phone at 612 167 346, or via email at comunicabojr@gmail.com.
Los Cabos Children's Foundation promotes, strengthens and advances programs that focus on the health and well-being of children in Baja California Sur. Since 2002, it has facilitated access to specialized medical services for Children and Adolescents providing financial support and strategic monitoring and follow up to other Nonprofits and Government Institutions for the operation of their own programs. For support or information call 624 172 7117 or email contact@loscaboschildren.org. Email: contacto@labioypaladarhendido.org Phone: 624 171 5101