Cleft lip and cleft palate are facial and oral malformations that occur very early during pregnancy. Cleft lip/palate can affect other parts of a baby’s face and result in complications such as speech impediments, increased risk of ear infections and disrupted tooth development. A child with a cleft deformity may also experience difficulties feeding, resulting in malnourishment or even death.

In Tanzania, approximately 2,500 children are born with cleft deformities annually. Fortunately, most cleft deformities can be fixed with a simple surgery. Since these surgeries are ideally performed within the first 18 months of a child’s life, early identification and intervention are essential for healthy outcomes.

CCBRT performs half of the cleft lip/palate surgeries in Tanzania. Patients include children and adults from across Tanzania, who were referred via CCBRT’s mobile technology programme, transportMYpatient. Through this programme, patients identified by CCBRT cleft ambassadors receive money for transport to CCBRT via M-Pesa mobile money. On arrival, they receive treatment, meals and accommodation free of charge.