The National Association for Cleft Lip and Palate says it has treated over 500 orofacial patients in Rivers and Bayelsa.States.National President of NACLP, Prof. Ugochukwu Nnadozie, disclosed this during its Annual General Meeting/Conference in Port Harcourt.Nnadozie, said the treatment was made possible through partnership with SmileTrain, the world’s largest cleft-focused non-profit organisation.He explained that through partnership with SmileTrain and other health facilities, the association had put smiles on the faces of families and communities through the provision orofacial care.Nnadozie noted that Rivers State remains the vanguard state for cleft care delivery in the country, noting that hosting the conference in the state was part of efforts aimed at bringing cleft care to the South-South region.He also explained that over 60,000 persons have been treated in Nigeria through Smile Train sponsorship.He said, “Today, close to 500 cases have been treated in Rivers and Bayelsa states. We were able to put smiles on the faces of these children, families, and their communities. We saved homes, restored hope, and prevented some from being killed by false beliefs and ignorance.“That is what we do and that is what we have done here in this state, this region. In Nigeria, through the support of Smile Train, more than 60,000 lives have been transformed. This is why we are here in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and the South-South Nigeria”.The NACLP president blamed the delay in orofacial care delivery across the country on stigmatisation and false believes by families and the communities of cleft and palate patients.Related NewsNigeria’s health insurance gap leaves millions vulnerable, experts warnDiri lauds Bayelsa community for supporting urban renewalSenate backs bill proposing 15-year jail term for fake drug dealersHe called for greater awareness campaign on the truth about the medical condition and the availability of care.“The most treacherous barrier to care is stigma. In many Nigerian communities, individuals with orofacial clefts face social discrimination, marginalisation, and psychological distress.“This stigma often delays help-seeking and compounds the physical challenges of the condition. Through targeted public education, community engagement, and strategic communication campaigns, we must reshape public perception.“We must help communities understand that orofacial cleft is a treatable medical condition, not a curse or source of shame,” Nnadozie added.The Vice-President and Regional Director for Africa, Smile Train, Mrs. Nkeiruka Obi, called for partnerships to strengthen awareness of care for the medical condition.Obi said despite the availability of treatment, many families still face stigma, misinformation, and weak referral systems which results in children with clefts struggling to feed, speak, learn, and participate fully in society.In his message, Chief Medical Director of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Prof. Chijindu Alikor emphasised that cleft lip and palate remains a significant public health concern with far-reaching physical, emotional, and social implications for affected individuals and their families in the country.Represented by the deputy CMD II of the hospital, Dr. Simeon Amadi, Alikor said addressing the challenges requires more than clinical expertise.“It demands coordinated action among healthcare providers, the policymakers, advocacy groups, development partners, and communities. By strengthening our networks and aligning our efforts, we can eliminate barriers to care, improve outcomes, and restore hope to countless lives,” he stated. National President of NACLP, Prof. Ugochukwu Nnadozie, disclosed this during its Annual General Meeting/Conference in Port Harcourt.Nnadozie, said the treatment was made possible through partnership with SmileTrain, the world’s largest cleft-focused non-profit organisation.He explained that through partnership with SmileTrain and other health facilities, the association had put smiles on the faces of families and communities through the provision orofacial care.Nnadozie noted that Rivers State remains the vanguard state for cleft care delivery in the country, noting that hosting the conference in the state was part of efforts aimed at bringing cleft care to the South-South region.He also explained that over 60,000 persons have been treated in Nigeria through Smile Train sponsorship.He said, “Today, close to 500 cases have been treated in Rivers and Bayelsa states. We were able to put smiles on the faces of these children, families, and their communities. We saved homes, restored hope, and prevented some from being killed by false beliefs and ignorance.“That is what we do and that is what we have done here in this state, this region. In Nigeria, through the support of Smile Train, more than 60,000 lives have been transformed. This is why we are here in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and the South-South Nigeria”.The NACLP president blamed the delay in orofacial care delivery across the country on stigmatisation and false believes by families and the communities of cleft and palate patients.Related NewsNigeria’s health insurance gap leaves millions vulnerable, experts warnDiri lauds Bayelsa community for supporting urban renewalSenate backs bill proposing 15-year jail term for fake drug dealersHe called for greater awareness campaign on the truth about the medical condition and the availability of care.“The most treacherous barrier to care is stigma. In many Nigerian communities, individuals with orofacial clefts face social discrimination, marginalisation, and psychological distress.“This stigma often delays help-seeking and compounds the physical challenges of the condition. Through targeted public education, community engagement, and strategic communication campaigns, we must reshape public perception.“We must help communities understand that orofacial cleft is a treatable medical condition, not a curse or source of shame,” Nnadozie added.The Vice-President and Regional Director for Africa, Smile Train, Mrs. Nkeiruka Obi, called for partnerships to strengthen awareness of care for the medical condition.Obi said despite the availability of treatment, many families still face stigma, misinformation, and weak referral systems which results in children with clefts struggling to feed, speak, learn, and participate fully in society.In his message, Chief Medical Director of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Prof. Chijindu Alikor emphasised that cleft lip and palate remains a significant public health concern with far-reaching physical, emotional, and social implications for affected individuals and their families in the country.Represented by the deputy CMD II of the hospital, Dr. Simeon Amadi, Alikor said addressing the challenges requires more than clinical expertise.“It demands coordinated action among healthcare providers, the policymakers, advocacy groups, development partners, and communities. By strengthening our networks and aligning our efforts, we can eliminate barriers to care, improve outcomes, and restore hope to countless lives,” he stated. Nnadozie, said the treatment was made possible through partnership with SmileTrain, the world’s largest cleft-focused non-profit organisation.He explained that through partnership with SmileTrain and other health facilities, the association had put smiles on the faces of families and communities through the provision orofacial care.Nnadozie noted that Rivers State remains the vanguard state for cleft care delivery in the country, noting that hosting the conference in the state was part of efforts aimed at bringing cleft care to the South-South region.He also explained that over 60,000 persons have been treated in Nigeria through Smile Train sponsorship.He said, “Today, close to 500 cases have been treated in Rivers and Bayelsa states. We were able to put smiles on the faces of these children, families, and their communities. We saved homes, restored hope, and prevented some from being killed by false beliefs and ignorance.“That is what we do and that is what we have done here in this state, this region. In Nigeria, through the support of Smile Train, more than 60,000 lives have been transformed. This is why we are here in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and the South-South Nigeria”.The NACLP president blamed the delay in orofacial care delivery across the country on stigmatisation and false believes by families and the communities of cleft and palate patients.Related NewsNigeria’s health insurance gap leaves millions vulnerable, experts warnDiri lauds Bayelsa community for supporting urban renewalSenate backs bill proposing 15-year jail term for fake drug dealersHe called for greater awareness campaign on the truth about the medical condition and the availability of care.“The most treacherous barrier to care is stigma. In many Nigerian communities, individuals with orofacial clefts face social discrimination, marginalisation, and psychological distress.“This stigma often delays help-seeking and compounds the physical challenges of the condition. Through targeted public education, community engagement, and strategic communication campaigns, we must reshape public perception.“We must help communities understand that orofacial cleft is a treatable medical condition, not a curse or source of shame,” Nnadozie added.The Vice-President and Regional Director for Africa, Smile Train, Mrs. Nkeiruka Obi, called for partnerships to strengthen awareness of care for the medical condition.Obi said despite the availability of treatment, many families still face stigma, misinformation, and weak referral systems which results in children with clefts struggling to feed, speak, learn, and participate fully in society.In his message, Chief Medical Director of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Prof. Chijindu Alikor emphasised that cleft lip and palate remains a significant public health concern with far-reaching physical, emotional, and social implications for affected individuals and their families in the country.Represented by the deputy CMD II of the hospital, Dr. Simeon Amadi, Alikor said addressing the challenges requires more than clinical expertise.“It demands coordinated action among healthcare providers, the policymakers, advocacy groups, development partners, and communities. By strengthening our networks and aligning our efforts, we can eliminate barriers to care, improve outcomes, and restore hope to countless lives,” he stated. He explained that through partnership with SmileTrain and other health facilities, the association had put smiles on the faces of families and communities through the provision orofacial care.Nnadozie noted that Rivers State remains the vanguard state for cleft care delivery in the country, noting that hosting the conference in the state was part of efforts aimed at bringing cleft care to the South-South region.He also explained that over 60,000 persons have been treated in Nigeria through Smile Train sponsorship.He said, “Today, close to 500 cases have been treated in Rivers and Bayelsa states. We were able to put smiles on the faces of these children, families, and their communities. We saved homes, restored hope, and prevented some from being killed by false beliefs and ignorance.“That is what we do and that is what we have done here in this state, this region. In Nigeria, through the support of Smile Train, more than 60,000 lives have been transformed. This is why we are here in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and the South-South Nigeria”.The NACLP president blamed the delay in orofacial care delivery across the country on stigmatisation and false believes by families and the communities of cleft and palate patients.Related NewsNigeria’s health insurance gap leaves millions vulnerable, experts warnDiri lauds Bayelsa community for supporting urban renewalSenate backs bill proposing 15-year jail term for fake drug dealersHe called for greater awareness campaign on the truth about the medical condition and the availability of care.“The most treacherous barrier to care is stigma. In many Nigerian communities, individuals with orofacial clefts face social discrimination, marginalisation, and psychological distress.“This stigma often delays help-seeking and compounds the physical challenges of the condition. Through targeted public education, community engagement, and strategic communication campaigns, we must reshape public perception.“We must help communities understand that orofacial cleft is a treatable medical condition, not a curse or source of shame,” Nnadozie added.The Vice-President and Regional Director for Africa, Smile Train, Mrs. Nkeiruka Obi, called for partnerships to strengthen awareness of care for the medical condition.Obi said despite the availability of treatment, many families still face stigma, misinformation, and weak referral systems which results in children with clefts struggling to feed, speak, learn, and participate fully in society.In his message, Chief Medical Director of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Prof. Chijindu Alikor emphasised that cleft lip and palate remains a significant public health concern with far-reaching physical, emotional, and social implications for affected individuals and their families in the country.Represented by the deputy CMD II of the hospital, Dr. Simeon Amadi, Alikor said addressing the challenges requires more than clinical expertise.“It demands coordinated action among healthcare providers, the policymakers, advocacy groups, development partners, and communities. By strengthening our networks and aligning our efforts, we can eliminate barriers to care, improve outcomes, and restore hope to countless lives,” he stated. Nnadozie noted that Rivers State remains the vanguard state for cleft care delivery in the country, noting that hosting the conference in the state was part of efforts aimed at bringing cleft care to the South-South region.He also explained that over 60,000 persons have been treated in Nigeria through Smile Train sponsorship.He said, “Today, close to 500 cases have been treated in Rivers and Bayelsa states. We were able to put smiles on the faces of these children, families, and their communities. We saved homes, restored hope, and prevented some from being killed by false beliefs and ignorance.“That is what we do and that is what we have done here in this state, this region. In Nigeria, through the support of Smile Train, more than 60,000 lives have been transformed. This is why we are here in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and the South-South Nigeria”.The NACLP president blamed the delay in orofacial care delivery across the country on stigmatisation and false believes by families and the communities of cleft and palate patients.Related NewsNigeria’s health insurance gap leaves millions vulnerable, experts warnDiri lauds Bayelsa community for supporting urban renewalSenate backs bill proposing 15-year jail term for fake drug dealersHe called for greater awareness campaign on the truth about the medical condition and the availability of care.“The most treacherous barrier to care is stigma. In many Nigerian communities, individuals with orofacial clefts face social discrimination, marginalisation, and psychological distress.“This stigma often delays help-seeking and compounds the physical challenges of the condition. Through targeted public education, community engagement, and strategic communication campaigns, we must reshape public perception.“We must help communities understand that orofacial cleft is a treatable medical condition, not a curse or source of shame,” Nnadozie added.The Vice-President and Regional Director for Africa, Smile Train, Mrs. Nkeiruka Obi, called for partnerships to strengthen awareness of care for the medical condition.Obi said despite the availability of treatment, many families still face stigma, misinformation, and weak referral systems which results in children with clefts struggling to feed, speak, learn, and participate fully in society.In his message, Chief Medical Director of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Prof. Chijindu Alikor emphasised that cleft lip and palate remains a significant public health concern with far-reaching physical, emotional, and social implications for affected individuals and their families in the country.Represented by the deputy CMD II of the hospital, Dr. Simeon Amadi, Alikor said addressing the challenges requires more than clinical expertise.“It demands coordinated action among healthcare providers, the policymakers, advocacy groups, development partners, and communities. By strengthening our networks and aligning our efforts, we can eliminate barriers to care, improve outcomes, and restore hope to countless lives,” he stated. He also explained that over 60,000 persons have been treated in Nigeria through Smile Train sponsorship.He said, “Today, close to 500 cases have been treated in Rivers and Bayelsa states. We were able to put smiles on the faces of these children, families, and their communities. We saved homes, restored hope, and prevented some from being killed by false beliefs and ignorance.“That is what we do and that is what we have done here in this state, this region. In Nigeria, through the support of Smile Train, more than 60,000 lives have been transformed. This is why we are here in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and the South-South Nigeria”.The NACLP president blamed the delay in orofacial care delivery across the country on stigmatisation and false believes by families and the communities of cleft and palate patients.Related NewsNigeria’s health insurance gap leaves millions vulnerable, experts warnDiri lauds Bayelsa community for supporting urban renewalSenate backs bill proposing 15-year jail term for fake drug dealersHe called for greater awareness campaign on the truth about the medical condition and the availability of care.“The most treacherous barrier to care is stigma. In many Nigerian communities, individuals with orofacial clefts face social discrimination, marginalisation, and psychological distress.“This stigma often delays help-seeking and compounds the physical challenges of the condition. Through targeted public education, community engagement, and strategic communication campaigns, we must reshape public perception.“We must help communities understand that orofacial cleft is a treatable medical condition, not a curse or source of shame,” Nnadozie added.The Vice-President and Regional Director for Africa, Smile Train, Mrs. Nkeiruka Obi, called for partnerships to strengthen awareness of care for the medical condition.Obi said despite the availability of treatment, many families still face stigma, misinformation, and weak referral systems which results in children with clefts struggling to feed, speak, learn, and participate fully in society.In his message, Chief Medical Director of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Prof. Chijindu Alikor emphasised that cleft lip and palate remains a significant public health concern with far-reaching physical, emotional, and social implications for affected individuals and their families in the country.Represented by the deputy CMD II of the hospital, Dr. Simeon Amadi, Alikor said addressing the challenges requires more than clinical expertise.“It demands coordinated action among healthcare providers, the policymakers, advocacy groups, development partners, and communities. By strengthening our networks and aligning our efforts, we can eliminate barriers to care, improve outcomes, and restore hope to countless lives,” he stated. He said, “Today, close to 500 cases have been treated in Rivers and Bayelsa states. We were able to put smiles on the faces of these children, families, and their communities. We saved homes, restored hope, and prevented some from being killed by false beliefs and ignorance.“That is what we do and that is what we have done here in this state, this region. In Nigeria, through the support of Smile Train, more than 60,000 lives have been transformed. This is why we are here in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and the South-South Nigeria”.The NACLP president blamed the delay in orofacial care delivery across the country on stigmatisation and false believes by families and the communities of cleft and palate patients.Related NewsNigeria’s health insurance gap leaves millions vulnerable, experts warnDiri lauds Bayelsa community for supporting urban renewalSenate backs bill proposing 15-year jail term for fake drug dealersHe called for greater awareness campaign on the truth about the medical condition and the availability of care.“The most treacherous barrier to care is stigma. In many Nigerian communities, individuals with orofacial clefts face social discrimination, marginalisation, and psychological distress.“This stigma often delays help-seeking and compounds the physical challenges of the condition. Through targeted public education, community engagement, and strategic communication campaigns, we must reshape public perception.“We must help communities understand that orofacial cleft is a treatable medical condition, not a curse or source of shame,” Nnadozie added.The Vice-President and Regional Director for Africa, Smile Train, Mrs. Nkeiruka Obi, called for partnerships to strengthen awareness of care for the medical condition.Obi said despite the availability of treatment, many families still face stigma, misinformation, and weak referral systems which results in children with clefts struggling to feed, speak, learn, and participate fully in society.In his message, Chief Medical Director of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Prof. Chijindu Alikor emphasised that cleft lip and palate remains a significant public health concern with far-reaching physical, emotional, and social implications for affected individuals and their families in the country.Represented by the deputy CMD II of the hospital, Dr. Simeon Amadi, Alikor said addressing the challenges requires more than clinical expertise.“It demands coordinated action among healthcare providers, the policymakers, advocacy groups, development partners, and communities. By strengthening our networks and aligning our efforts, we can eliminate barriers to care, improve outcomes, and restore hope to countless lives,” he stated. “That is what we do and that is what we have done here in this state, this region. In Nigeria, through the support of Smile Train, more than 60,000 lives have been transformed. This is why we are here in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and the South-South Nigeria”.The NACLP president blamed the delay in orofacial care delivery across the country on stigmatisation and false believes by families and the communities of cleft and palate patients.Related NewsNigeria’s health insurance gap leaves millions vulnerable, experts warnDiri lauds Bayelsa community for supporting urban renewalSenate backs bill proposing 15-year jail term for fake drug dealersHe called for greater awareness campaign on the truth about the medical condition and the availability of care.“The most treacherous barrier to care is stigma. In many Nigerian communities, individuals with orofacial clefts face social discrimination, marginalisation, and psychological distress.“This stigma often delays help-seeking and compounds the physical challenges of the condition. Through targeted public education, community engagement, and strategic communication campaigns, we must reshape public perception.“We must help communities understand that orofacial cleft is a treatable medical condition, not a curse or source of shame,” Nnadozie added.The Vice-President and Regional Director for Africa, Smile Train, Mrs. Nkeiruka Obi, called for partnerships to strengthen awareness of care for the medical condition.Obi said despite the availability of treatment, many families still face stigma, misinformation, and weak referral systems which results in children with clefts struggling to feed, speak, learn, and participate fully in society.In his message, Chief Medical Director of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Prof. Chijindu Alikor emphasised that cleft lip and palate remains a significant public health concern with far-reaching physical, emotional, and social implications for affected individuals and their families in the country.Represented by the deputy CMD II of the hospital, Dr. Simeon Amadi, Alikor said addressing the challenges requires more than clinical expertise.“It demands coordinated action among healthcare providers, the policymakers, advocacy groups, development partners, and communities. By strengthening our networks and aligning our efforts, we can eliminate barriers to care, improve outcomes, and restore hope to countless lives,” he stated. The NACLP president blamed the delay in orofacial care delivery across the country on stigmatisation and false believes by families and the communities of cleft and palate patients.Related NewsNigeria’s health insurance gap leaves millions vulnerable, experts warnDiri lauds Bayelsa community for supporting urban renewalSenate backs bill proposing 15-year jail term for fake drug dealersHe called for greater awareness campaign on the truth about the medical condition and the availability of care.“The most treacherous barrier to care is stigma. In many Nigerian communities, individuals with orofacial clefts face social discrimination, marginalisation, and psychological distress.“This stigma often delays help-seeking and compounds the physical challenges of the condition. Through targeted public education, community engagement, and strategic communication campaigns, we must reshape public perception.“We must help communities understand that orofacial cleft is a treatable medical condition, not a curse or source of shame,” Nnadozie added.The Vice-President and Regional Director for Africa, Smile Train, Mrs. Nkeiruka Obi, called for partnerships to strengthen awareness of care for the medical condition.Obi said despite the availability of treatment, many families still face stigma, misinformation, and weak referral systems which results in children with clefts struggling to feed, speak, learn, and participate fully in society.In his message, Chief Medical Director of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Prof. Chijindu Alikor emphasised that cleft lip and palate remains a significant public health concern with far-reaching physical, emotional, and social implications for affected individuals and their families in the country.Represented by the deputy CMD II of the hospital, Dr. Simeon Amadi, Alikor said addressing the challenges requires more than clinical expertise.“It demands coordinated action among healthcare providers, the policymakers, advocacy groups, development partners, and communities. By strengthening our networks and aligning our efforts, we can eliminate barriers to care, improve outcomes, and restore hope to countless lives,” he stated. He called for greater awareness campaign on the truth about the medical condition and the availability of care.“The most treacherous barrier to care is stigma. In many Nigerian communities, individuals with orofacial clefts face social discrimination, marginalisation, and psychological distress.“This stigma often delays help-seeking and compounds the physical challenges of the condition. Through targeted public education, community engagement, and strategic communication campaigns, we must reshape public perception.“We must help communities understand that orofacial cleft is a treatable medical condition, not a curse or source of shame,” Nnadozie added.The Vice-President and Regional Director for Africa, Smile Train, Mrs. Nkeiruka Obi, called for partnerships to strengthen awareness of care for the medical condition.Obi said despite the availability of treatment, many families still face stigma, misinformation, and weak referral systems which results in children with clefts struggling to feed, speak, learn, and participate fully in society.In his message, Chief Medical Director of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Prof. Chijindu Alikor emphasised that cleft lip and palate remains a significant public health concern with far-reaching physical, emotional, and social implications for affected individuals and their families in the country.Represented by the deputy CMD II of the hospital, Dr. Simeon Amadi, Alikor said addressing the challenges requires more than clinical expertise.“It demands coordinated action among healthcare providers, the policymakers, advocacy groups, development partners, and communities. By strengthening our networks and aligning our efforts, we can eliminate barriers to care, improve outcomes, and restore hope to countless lives,” he stated. “The most treacherous barrier to care is stigma. In many Nigerian communities, individuals with orofacial clefts face social discrimination, marginalisation, and psychological distress.“This stigma often delays help-seeking and compounds the physical challenges of the condition. Through targeted public education, community engagement, and strategic communication campaigns, we must reshape public perception.“We must help communities understand that orofacial cleft is a treatable medical condition, not a curse or source of shame,” Nnadozie added.The Vice-President and Regional Director for Africa, Smile Train, Mrs. Nkeiruka Obi, called for partnerships to strengthen awareness of care for the medical condition.Obi said despite the availability of treatment, many families still face stigma, misinformation, and weak referral systems which results in children with clefts struggling to feed, speak, learn, and participate fully in society.In his message, Chief Medical Director of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Prof. Chijindu Alikor emphasised that cleft lip and palate remains a significant public health concern with far-reaching physical, emotional, and social implications for affected individuals and their families in the country.Represented by the deputy CMD II of the hospital, Dr. Simeon Amadi, Alikor said addressing the challenges requires more than clinical expertise.“It demands coordinated action among healthcare providers, the policymakers, advocacy groups, development partners, and communities. By strengthening our networks and aligning our efforts, we can eliminate barriers to care, improve outcomes, and restore hope to countless lives,” he stated. “This stigma often delays help-seeking and compounds the physical challenges of the condition. Through targeted public education, community engagement, and strategic communication campaigns, we must reshape public perception.“We must help communities understand that orofacial cleft is a treatable medical condition, not a curse or source of shame,” Nnadozie added.The Vice-President and Regional Director for Africa, Smile Train, Mrs. Nkeiruka Obi, called for partnerships to strengthen awareness of care for the medical condition.Obi said despite the availability of treatment, many families still face stigma, misinformation, and weak referral systems which results in children with clefts struggling to feed, speak, learn, and participate fully in society.In his message, Chief Medical Director of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Prof. Chijindu Alikor emphasised that cleft lip and palate remains a significant public health concern with far-reaching physical, emotional, and social implications for affected individuals and their families in the country.Represented by the deputy CMD II of the hospital, Dr. Simeon Amadi, Alikor said addressing the challenges requires more than clinical expertise.“It demands coordinated action among healthcare providers, the policymakers, advocacy groups, development partners, and communities. By strengthening our networks and aligning our efforts, we can eliminate barriers to care, improve outcomes, and restore hope to countless lives,” he stated. “We must help communities understand that orofacial cleft is a treatable medical condition, not a curse or source of shame,” Nnadozie added.The Vice-President and Regional Director for Africa, Smile Train, Mrs. Nkeiruka Obi, called for partnerships to strengthen awareness of care for the medical condition.Obi said despite the availability of treatment, many families still face stigma, misinformation, and weak referral systems which results in children with clefts struggling to feed, speak, learn, and participate fully in society.In his message, Chief Medical Director of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Prof. Chijindu Alikor emphasised that cleft lip and palate remains a significant public health concern with far-reaching physical, emotional, and social implications for affected individuals and their families in the country.Represented by the deputy CMD II of the hospital, Dr. Simeon Amadi, Alikor said addressing the challenges requires more than clinical expertise.“It demands coordinated action among healthcare providers, the policymakers, advocacy groups, development partners, and communities. By strengthening our networks and aligning our efforts, we can eliminate barriers to care, improve outcomes, and restore hope to countless lives,” he stated. The Vice-President and Regional Director for Africa, Smile Train, Mrs. Nkeiruka Obi, called for partnerships to strengthen awareness of care for the medical condition.Obi said despite the availability of treatment, many families still face stigma, misinformation, and weak referral systems which results in children with clefts struggling to feed, speak, learn, and participate fully in society.In his message, Chief Medical Director of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Prof. Chijindu Alikor emphasised that cleft lip and palate remains a significant public health concern with far-reaching physical, emotional, and social implications for affected individuals and their families in the country.Represented by the deputy CMD II of the hospital, Dr. Simeon Amadi, Alikor said addressing the challenges requires more than clinical expertise.“It demands coordinated action among healthcare providers, the policymakers, advocacy groups, development partners, and communities. By strengthening our networks and aligning our efforts, we can eliminate barriers to care, improve outcomes, and restore hope to countless lives,” he stated. Obi said despite the availability of treatment, many families still face stigma, misinformation, and weak referral systems which results in children with clefts struggling to feed, speak, learn, and participate fully in society.In his message, Chief Medical Director of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Prof. Chijindu Alikor emphasised that cleft lip and palate remains a significant public health concern with far-reaching physical, emotional, and social implications for affected individuals and their families in the country.Represented by the deputy CMD II of the hospital, Dr. Simeon Amadi, Alikor said addressing the challenges requires more than clinical expertise.“It demands coordinated action among healthcare providers, the policymakers, advocacy groups, development partners, and communities. By strengthening our networks and aligning our efforts, we can eliminate barriers to care, improve outcomes, and restore hope to countless lives,” he stated. In his message, Chief Medical Director of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Prof. Chijindu Alikor emphasised that cleft lip and palate remains a significant public health concern with far-reaching physical, emotional, and social implications for affected individuals and their families in the country.Represented by the deputy CMD II of the hospital, Dr. Simeon Amadi, Alikor said addressing the challenges requires more than clinical expertise.“It demands coordinated action among healthcare providers, the policymakers, advocacy groups, development partners, and communities. By strengthening our networks and aligning our efforts, we can eliminate barriers to care, improve outcomes, and restore hope to countless lives,” he stated. Represented by the deputy CMD II of the hospital, Dr. Simeon Amadi, Alikor said addressing the challenges requires more than clinical expertise.“It demands coordinated action among healthcare providers, the policymakers, advocacy groups, development partners, and communities. By strengthening our networks and aligning our efforts, we can eliminate barriers to care, improve outcomes, and restore hope to countless lives,” he stated. “It demands coordinated action among healthcare providers, the policymakers, advocacy groups, development partners, and communities. By strengthening our networks and aligning our efforts, we can eliminate barriers to care, improve outcomes, and restore hope to countless lives,” he stated.