By Sabri Dibaco
The medical outreach, organised through the ASK Foundation, has brought together an internationally trained team of specialist surgeons from Germany and Uganda in partnership with the German charity Deutsche Cleft Kinderhilfe, the Ministry of Health, Gudele Hospital, and the South Sudan General Medical Council (SSGMC).
The Senior Presidential Envoy on Special Programs, Adut Salva Kiir Mayardit, has welcomed the successful completion of the first free cleft lip and cleft palate surgery under an ongoing medical mission in Juba.
She describes it as a major step toward restoring hope and improving the lives of children born with cleft conditions.
The initiative is providing free corrective surgeries for vulnerable children from across South Sudan while also building the capacity of local healthcare workers through specialised training and collaboration with international experts.
According to the press statement from Envy, the completion of the first operation marks the beginning of a broader effort aimed at transforming the lives of children affected by cleft conditions.
“The successful completion of the first operation marks the beginning of a life-changing initiative that is not only restoring smiles but also giving children renewed confidence, dignity, and the opportunity to live healthier and more fulfilling lives,” the statement said.
The mission is also to strengthen South Sudan’s healthcare system by equipping local medical professionals with specialised skills in cleft care, ensuring the country can provide similar reconstructive services in the future.
Adut praised the dedication of the international specialist surgeons, medical staff at Gudele Hospital, officials from the Ministry of Health, the South Sudan General Medical Council, and other partners for making the mission a success.
The statement also highlighted how increased public awareness has already begun changing lives. Citing the story of a woman who learned about the free surgeries through social media and immediately informed her blind sister, whose baby was born with a cleft lip.
The mother and child later travelled to Gudele Hospital, where the baby was assessed, registered, and scheduled for corrective surgery.
“The story underscores the importance of public awareness and community engagement,” the statement noted.
More children are expected to receive free cleft lip and palate surgeries in the coming days. Families with affected children have been encouraged to bring them for medical assessment while the specialist team remains in the country.
The statement reaffirmed Adut Salva Kiir Mayardit’s commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare through partnerships that strengthen South Sudan’s medical capacity.
“The Senior Presidential Envoy on Special Programs remains committed to fostering partnerships that expand access to quality healthcare, strengthen national medical capacity, and ensure that every child has the opportunity to smile with confidence and hope,” the statement concluded.