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YGOPH
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25 services & programmes
Obstetrics & Maternity
Labour ward open 24/7
Gynaecology
Consultations & surgery
Paediatrics
From birth to 15 years
Good news for families: from 12 to 28 February 2025, YGOPH is hosting a free surgical campaign to repair cleft lips and cleft palates. The campaign is the fruit of cooperation between Cameroon and the People’s Republic of China, a partnership that has shaped our hospital since it was built.
If your child was born with a cleft, this is an opportunity to receive specialist surgery free of charge, in a hospital with operating theatres, anaesthetists and nurses experienced in caring for the youngest patients. Read on to find out how to register.
What is a cleft lip or palate?
A cleft is an opening in the upper lip, in the roof of the mouth (the palate), or in both. It forms when parts of a baby’s face do not join completely early in pregnancy. It is one of the most common birth differences: in Cameroon, about 700 babies are born with a cleft every year.
In most cases, a cleft is not caused by anything the parents did, and it is not a curse. Without treatment, however, it can cause real difficulties:
- problems with feeding and breastfeeding, which can slow a baby’s growth;
- repeated ear infections and hearing problems;
- difficulties with speech and with the teeth;
- stigma and exclusion at school and in the community.
Surgery can repair a cleft, and children who are operated on can go on to eat, speak and smile with confidence.
Who can take part?
The campaign is open to children and other patients born with a cleft lip and/or palate, subject to a medical assessment by our team. As a general guide:
- a cleft lip is usually repaired from around three months of age;
- a cleft palate is usually repaired between nine and eighteen months;
- older children who have never been operated on should also come for an assessment.
Patients must be in good general health on the day of surgery. Before the operation, each patient has a surgical consultation and a pre-anaesthesia assessment to make sure the operation can be carried out safely.
How to register
- Come to the paediatric surgery unit at YGOPH in Ngousso as early as possible, or call us on (+237) 670 607 278.
- Bring your child’s health booklet (carnet de santé), any previous medical documents and the identity card of the parent or guardian.
- Our team will examine your child, explain the operation and give you a date.
- Follow the pre-operative instructions carefully, especially the fasting times given by the anaesthetist.
The number of operations depends on what the surgical teams can safely carry out during the campaign, so we encourage families to register early. If your child cannot be operated on this time, they will remain on our list and we will call you for a future campaign. Our team will also explain clearly what is covered free of charge when you register.
A long tradition of smiles
Cleft care has a special place in our history. In November 2012, YGOPH hosted the very first campaign of the partnership between Synergies Africaines and Smile Train, during which 64 patients from several African countries were operated on. Since then, our surgeons, anaesthetists and nurses have taken part in many campaigns and continue to build their expertise in reconstructive surgery.
After the operation, our teams give parents clear advice on feeding, wound care and speech, and see each child again to check healing.
Help us reach every family
Do you know a child with a cleft? Please share this message with families in your neighbourhood, your place of worship or your association. For more information, visit our Paediatric & Specialised Surgery page, call (+237) 670 607 278 or write to contact@hgopy.cm.
