Operation Smile

We are excited to announce a film produced for Operation Smile by BBC StoryWorks Works as part of the #BeyondTheCode series! Earlier this year, the BBC StoryWorks team filmed with us in Musanze, Rwanda, to capture how we are using AI technology to transform the surgical evaluation process for cleft conditions. This film highlights the life-changing impact of our work and demonstrates our commitment to advancing health equity through innovation. We are dedicated to creating sustainable solutions and driving innovations to ensure that all of our patients have access to the safe, high-quality care they deserve. A special thank you to everyone involved in this project, including Microsoft, Partnership on AI, University of Rwanda, Rwandan Ministry of Health, the Ruhengeri Hospital, and Musanze District for their support in making our work and this film possible. Watch the film and learn more about how AI is shaping the future of cleft care: https://lnkd.in/d37XXdqK #OperationSmile #ad #BeyondTheCode

The Pan-African Surgical Conference (#PASC2025) is now accepting abstract submissions for presentations, workshops, and poster sessions! Join us to share your research, innovations, and insights that will shape the future of surgery in Africa. This is an excellent opportunity to engage with global experts and contribute to the conversation on improving surgical education and health care delivery across the continent. Submit your abstract today: https://lnkd.in/eGuPdPRn #OperationSmile #HealthEquity #Heqalthforall

We are excited to feature Dr. Metasebia Worku Abebe as a distinguished speaker at the Pan African Surgical Conference! Dr. Abebe is a trailblazer in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery, currently serving as an associate professor at Saint Paul Hospital Millennium Medical College in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She also leads the plastic and reconstructive surgery unit, overseeing one of Ethiopia’s two residency programs in this vital specialty. In 2018, Dr. Abebe made history as the first female plastic surgeon from Ethiopia to achieve fellowship status with the COSECSA | The College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa. A passionate advocate for global surgery, Dr. Abebe is dedicated to improving access to safe surgical care, advancing burns care standards, and strengthening health care systems across Africa. She also serves as the former general secretary of the Ethiopian Society Of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, driving collaboration and professional development within her field. We are honored to have Dr. Abebe as part of the #PASC2025 and look forward to her insights on the future of global surgery. Register now and join us for an inspiring event: https://lnkd.in/eNyQ3Zvy #GlobalSurgery #WomenInSurgery

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Jacquinot, an extraordinary nurse whose dedication, kindness, and compassion left a lasting impact on all who knew him.    For more than 10 years, Jacquinot volunteered with Operation Smile, devoting countless hours to caring for those in need. His ability to connect with patients, offer reassurance, and bring comfort to those around him set him apart. Jacquinot was not only a skilled nurse but also a mentor, a friend, and an inspiration to all who had the privilege of working alongside him. We are deeply saddened by his loss but celebrate the remarkable life he led and the countless lives he touched through his unwavering compassion and service.    To support Jacquinot’s family during this difficult time, a donation fund has been created. All funds raised will go directly to his family. If you would like to contribute, please visit: https://lnkd.in/d-e9Dcis

At Operation Smile, we are dedicated to transforming lives by advancing surgical education and expanding access to care. Our partnership with COSECSA | The College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa has been instrumental in addressing the urgent need for skilled surgeons across Sub-Saharan Africa.     Through our joint initiatives, we have provided 31 scholarships for Sub-Saharan African surgeons specializing in plastic surgery and trained 10 plastic surgeons in post-fellowship cleft surgery, further enhancing their skills. Additionally, our collaboration has supported the accreditation of safe surgical environments in the region, funded examination grants for candidates pursuing COSECSA certification, and delivered cleft surgery education and training to COSECSA Plastic Surgery Residents, enriching their knowledge and fostering professional growth.     At the recent AGM and Scientific Conference in Harare, Zimbabwe, we celebrated the significant progress achieved through our collaboration. During Operation Smile’s plenary session, Dr. Elizabeth Coté, Senior VP of Global Medical Education, emphasized the transformative impact of education and partnership in building local capacity for cleft and surgical care in Africa. Ethiopian surgeons Dr. Getaw Alamnie and Dr. Meklit Berhane also shared their experiences from our joint Post Fellowship Cleft Surgery Training Program, which, over two years, trained 10 surgeons and facilitated more than 850 successful cleft surgeries.     We look forward to continuing this vital work with COSECSA to expand access to quality care and create lasting, positive change across the region.     #OperationSmile #COSECSA #SurgicalEducation 

Behind the Smile with Karen Jaques ✨ In this edition of Behind the Smile, we’re introducing Karen Jaques, regional senior vice president for Sub-Saharan Africa. Hear how Karen’s passion for her role and admiration for her colleagues inspire her every day as they work to transform health care systems across the region. #BehindTheSmile

Meet Dr. Gaurav Deshpande, Operation Smile’s Associate Vice President of Medical Oversight and Safety. In 2011, Dr. Deshpande attended his first Operation Smile program, where he saw his first patient with cleft. Thirteen years later, he is at the forefront of efforts to transform patient care by embracing #innovation One of the ways Operation Smile drives innovation is by learning new technology and tools to create lasting impact. One of our most recent projects, our AI pilot tool, featured in a video produced for us by BBC StoryWorks, analyzes thousands of images before and after surgeries, providing instant insights allowing use to advance #healthequity.  "It’s incredible," says Dr. Deshpande. "Now we have an AI tool that can immediately help us access the results and know how to improve things in real time." By leveraging this technology, Operation Smile is advancing sustainable solutions and driving long-term improvements in surgical outcomes, ensuring safe, high-quality care for all our patients. To learn more about Dr. Deshpande’s leadership and how Operation Smile is embracing innovation in cleft care, read the full Q&A here: https://lnkd.in/d-4tcpGf #OperationSmile #BeyondTheCode 

Africa is making remarkable strides in training and retaining skilled health care professionals, especially surgeons, through the efforts of COSECSA | The College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa. By strengthening regional collaboration, the continent is seeing a surge in skilled surgical experts, advancing access to vital surgical care and aligning with the goals of The Lancet Commission. A major milestone was achieved at COSECSA's 25th Graduation and Annual Conference held in Harare, Zimbabwe, where 138 surgeons were awarded certifications in various specialties, including general surgery, urology, pediatric surgery, plastic surgery, and neurosurgery. Zimbabwe’s Health and Child Care Minister, Dr. Douglas Mombeshora, praised the impact of specialized surgical training on the country and the continent as a whole, underscoring the importance of these achievements.    A special congratulations goes to our Operation Smile sponsored surgeons. Eleven surgeons earned fellowships in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery specialty, two earned fellowships in Pediatric Surgery, and ten received post-fellowship certificates in cleft training. These graduates represent the talent and dedication of individuals from Tanzania, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. We are excited to continue our collaboration with COSECSA, building on the progress made and contributing to the growth of surgical expertise in Africa.     #OperationSmile #COSECSA #HealthEquity #SurgicalTraining

As we reflect on this #UniversalHealthCoverageDay, we remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that everyone, everywhere, has access to safe, affordable, and timely healthcare.  Earlier this year, during #UNGA79, our Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer, Dr. Ruben Ayala, spoke at the Devex summit to address the urgent challenges in accessing surgical care in low- and middle-income countries. In his discussion with Devex Editorial Director Richard Jones, Dr. Ayala highlighted the cultural, geographical, and financial barriers that prevent many individuals from receiving the care they need. He shared how Operation Smile is bridging these gaps by strengthening local health systems, investing in health workers, and bringing life-changing care closer to underserved communities.  Learn more and watch the full session here: https://lnkd.in/eFtHf4sc    #UHCDay #UniversalHealthCoverage #GlobalHealth 

Globally, five billion people lack access to surgery, and 94% of individuals in low- and middle-income countries face barriers to surgical care. This #UniversalHealthCoverageDay reminds us that health is a right, not a privilege, and governments must take the lead in ensuring access to care for all.  At Operation Smile, we are committed to increasing access to safe, timely, and affordable healthcare through systemic change. Our advocacy efforts focus on supporting local communities, collaborating with our partners at a local, regional and global level, and driving policies that strengthen health systems to provide essential surgical care.  Achieving universal health coverage is a team effort. By partnering with governments to integrate surgery and anesthesia care into national health plans, amplifying grassroots voices, and fostering sustainable health systems, we are creating meaningful and lasting solutions. Through these efforts, we are expanding access to care for countless patients, transforming lives and advancing #healthequity worldwide.  Learn more about how we are working to ensure #healthforall: https://lnkd.in/dNbW9qBg    #UHCDay #UniversalHealthCoverage #GlobalHealth