Alert Hospital Provides Free Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery to Over 26 Patients in Three Months

Alert Hospital Announces Providing Free Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery to Over 26 People in the Past Three Months

It has been revealed that many citizens in Ethiopia suffer from cleft lip and palate issues. Particularly, those with cleft palate conditions face significant challenges due to lack of access to treatment. Alert Comprehensive Specialized Hospital has announced that it is providing free surgical treatment for both children and adults with cleft lip and palate conditions to address this problem.

According to Ato Ababaw Bez, head of the Health and Supervision Department at the hospital, over 26 people have received free cleft lip and palate surgery at the hospital in the past three months. Among those who received treatment, the majority are infants aged three to four months. Patients from Addis Ababa and various parts of Ethiopia have been treated. Although the hospital initially planned to provide this surgery to 15 people, it exceeded its target, treating over 26 individuals.

Ato Ababaw explained that cleft lip and palate, a common condition globally, including in Ethiopia, can occur while a baby is still in the womb. He noted that since children can inherit this condition from either their mother or father, many people are at risk of being affected. Additionally, medical professionals emphasize that a pregnant woman’s failure to take folic acid during pregnancy can contribute to this health issue.

Furthermore, if a mother takes folic acid before or within the first three months of pregnancy, it can help prevent this condition. The hospital is currently providing regular treatment services for citizens suffering from cleft lip and palate issues and has urged parents to have their children screened.