Our recent abbreviated mission to Accra, Ghana saw us conduct screenings and consultations with eighteen children with complicated cases and schedule follow-up procedures with seven of our returning patients. One procedure was unfortunately cancelled after the patient was diagnosed with malaria, highlighting the complex and layered healthcare challenges faced in many of the communities we serve.
Alliance for Smiles’ lead surgeon, Dr. Chris Zarella, served as the mission’s sole medical volunteer working in partnership with the local medical team. Over two operating days, he worked closely with local surgeon Dr. Charles Asiedu to provide free, life-changing cleft surgeries.
Among the patients treated were Lily and Emmanuella, both born with Tessier 4 clefts, a rare and complex congenital facial condition affecting the mouth, cheeks, eyes, ears, and forehead. These clefts can result in significant facial asymmetry, making surgical intervention critical for a child’s health and development.
The team also treated Zayella, who was just four months old when we first met her in 2025. Born with a cleft lip, she received free surgery during our January mission last year and returned with her mother for a follow-up lip repair procedure – an important step in her ongoing care journey.
While many organizations focus on the number of patients, often prioritizing simple cleft cases over children with complicated conditions and needs, Alliance for Smiles chooses to give every single child the special time, attention, and advanced care they deserve. Through continued follow-up and specialized surgical care, Alliance for Smiles ensures that patients receive the comprehensive treatment needed for long-term health and well-being.
