Smile Train Launches Africa's Largest Cleft Center in Ghana

New facility will transform access to quality cleft care across the region and is a result of a partnership between Smile Train, Ghana's Ministry of Health, Ghana Cleft Foundation and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital

KUMASI, Ghana, July 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Smile Train, the world's largest cleft-focused organization, opened a state-of-the-art Cleft Leadership Center (CLC) at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, Ghana on June 25, 2025. The "National Cleft Care Center – A Smile Train Cleft Leadership Center" will elevate cleft care delivery in Ghana and across the Sub-Saharan Africa region.

The nearly 30-thousand square foot building makes it the largest cleft care center on the continent. Treatment capacity at KATH is expected to increase by more than 5 times (from aprx.150 to 850) and surgical training capacity by 6 times (3 to18 surgeons annually), directly addressing the urgent need for cleft care in Ghana where approximately 700 babies are born with a cleft each year.

The center is the result of a four-way partnership between Smile Train, Ghana's Ministry of Health, the Ghana Cleft Foundation, and KATH. Together, this coalition will unlock access to quality cleft care and training on an unprecedented scale.

"The impact of this center will be immediate and far-reaching," said Susannah Schaefer, President and CEO of Smile Train. "It means many more children will receive the life-changing care they need, and it means there will now be a steady supply of trained professionals who can carry this work forward for generations. This is how we create lasting change: by building capacity and empowering local health systems to lead the way."

Many families across Ghana and neighboring countries face significant barriers to accessing high-quality and timely comprehensive cleft care. Smile Train's new CLC will not only expand regional cleft surgical capacity but also serve as a hub for interdisciplinary training in cleft treatment, from surgery to dental care to speech therapy and more.

"This groundbreaking center will be a benchmark of quality surgical capacity in Africa and is a shining example of how Smile Train's partnership-based model works," said Prof. Peter Donkor, President of Ghana Cleft Foundation. "The opening of the National Cleft Care Center in Ghana exemplifies the long-term impact of investing in local health systems. This collaboration will help ensure that every child with a cleft has the opportunity to live a full, happy, and healthy life."

Before the launch of the National Cleft Care Center – A Smile Train Cleft Leadership Center, KATH was able to care for approximately 100 cleft surgery patients annually. When fully operational, the new center will be capable of supporting up to 500 surgery patients and 350 comprehensive cleft care patients with services including nutritional education, speech therapy, orthodontics, psychosocial and oral health— increasing the number of individuals receiving wrap-around services annually from approximately 150 to 850.

"This four-way partnership marks a significant milestone in our commitment to strengthening Ghana's healthcare infrastructure and expanding access to specialized care. The facility will enhance comprehensive care and continued progress in cleft care services," said Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo, Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of KATH. "The National Cleft Care Center will not only serve children and families more but also train future cleft care providers and improve research efforts.

The National Cleft Care Center – A Smile Train Cleft Leadership Center underscores Smile Train's commitment to supporting high-quality, locally led cleft care around the world. As the latest addition to Smile Train's global network of Cleft Leadership Centers, it promises to serve as a beacon of hope for thousands of children and families in need.

About Smile Train: Smile Train empowers local medical professionals with training, funding, and resources to provide free cleft surgery and comprehensive cleft care to children globally. We advance a sustainable solution and scalable global health model for cleft treatment, drastically improving children's lives, including their ability to eat, breathe, speak, and ultimately thrive. To learn more about how Smile Train's sustainable approach means donations have both an immediate and long-term impact, please visit smiletrain.org.

Media Contact: Nicole Bell | Public Relations
nbell@smiletrain.org | (646)829-0996