Operation Smile UK

Their fundamental pledge

Working in some of the world’s most resource poor countries, Operation Smile reaches patients who would otherwise have no hope of accessing this simple yet life-changing surgery.

Did you know...

• It is estimated that, worldwide, a child is born with a cleft every three minutes — about one in 700. It can cost as little as £150 and take just 45 minutes to repair a cleft lip.

• We have a global network of over 5,400 credentialed medical volunteers from more than 80 countries dedicated to helping improve the health and lives of children.

• Globally some two billion people lack access to basic surgical care.

• Each year more people die due to a lack of access to surgery than from HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined.

• To date Operation Smile has provided over 240,000 free surgeries to patients in resource-poor countries.

What makes Operation Smile different

Operation Smile is the largest volunteer-based medical charity providing free cleft surgeries. As well as running over 150 missions a year, Operation Smile increases the overall surgical capacity and cleft treatment in the communities we work with by providing health care workers with medical equipment, supplies, education and training.

Other ways to support

Choose a race or challenge event to raise funds.

Raise awareness of the work Operation Smile does on social media.

Get your company involved and make Operation Smile your charity partner at work.

Start a fundraising group at your school, university or community group to raise money.

Leave a gift in your will.

Become a medical volunteer.