By Hou Akot Hou
At least five cleft lip patients from the 22 who were transferred from Northern Bahr el Ghazal State to Wau in Western Bahr el Ghazal State have returned home without undergoing surgery.
The Health Education Focal Point, Luka Lual Aleu, told this outlet that the 22 patients were referred to St. Mary Help Hospital in Wau for a free cleft lip surgery program. However, five patients were unable to undergo the operation after medical examinations revealed that they were suffering from anemia.
Aleu explained that the surgeries for the five patients were postponed because they did not have sufficient blood levels to safely undergo the procedure.
“We took 22 patients from Northern Bahr el Ghazal to Wau for free cleft lip surgery. Unfortunately, five patients were found to be suffering from anemia, and as a result, they could not undergo the operation and were returned home,” he said.
He added that those who missed the surgery include four children and one adult. They will remain on the list of patients to be considered for the next round of operations, expected to take place in August and September.
“The patients who missed this opportunity will be operated on once the necessary arrangements are completed and they are medically fit for surgery,” Aleu said.
Aleu noted that cleft lip surgery helps reduce the social stigma faced by people living with the condition and improves their quality of life. He said the condition can affect speech, feeding, and self-confidence, making timely surgical treatment important.
The free surgical outreach is being organised by the Diocese of Wau in collaboration with St. Mary Help Hospital in Wau, Western Bahr el Ghazal State.