MTN Rwanda’s 18Million Rwfrs donation for Cleft lip and Palate operations kicks off

Surgeons busy operating Cleft lip and palate patients at CHUK

On 20^th March 2012, a team of surgeons from Operation Smile together with Rwanda National University teaching hospital CHUK’s medical practitioners began operating patients with either cleft lip, cleft palate or both. This project was funded by MTN Rwanda with an 18 Million Rwandan Francs cheque.

Paul Mugemagango MTN’s worker in charge of legal affairs said that the 18million offer is part of MTN’s commitment to social activities, noting development of ICT, assistance to the vulnerable and financing of medical activities as MTN foundation’s 3 sectors of focus.

“Through such initiatives, MTN is paying back to the society. Cleft lip and palate patients are to be given normal smiles which help them gain confidence and public exposure capabilities.” Urges Mugemagango

Central Africa Director of Operation Smile Dr Aime Lokulutu thanked MTN Rwanda for its continued financial support.

“We thank MTN for its over 100% financial support that saw us with following results. In the year 2010 and 2011, Operation Smile operated 541 Rwandans. This year alone, the number may go up to 300 patients.” Explains Dr Lokulutu

Dr Imaculee Kamanzi is a Rwandan medical practitioner who is working with Operation smile experts, she says that a significant positive impact of the project is to be felt.

“Operation Smile is a team of excellent experts of cleft surgeries, thus with their help we are able to operate hundreds of Rwandan patients not to mention the service’s free cost due to MTN Rwanda’s sponsorship.” Noted Kamanzi

To be treated is Kanani Rose 58years old and a resident of Karambo in Nyamasheke district, as she receives information of how her smile is to be normalized, her face glitters with happiness and anxiety.

“I am usually offended by people who call me all sorts of names while others laugh at me, but this time I am hopeful that I am to have a normal smile.” Says Kanani

Over 30 patients of different age brackets ranging from 1 to 70 years reported on the first day of Operation Smile, this year 2012 in Rwanda.

Cleft lip is unusual separation of a lip whereas Cleft palate is an opening in roof of the mouth, all happening before birth.