Humanitarian Surgical Mission in Fez, Morocco
The Smile Operation Association of Morocco is set to launch a new humanitarian surgical mission at the Al Ghassani Hospital in Fez, running from October 30 to November 4, 2026. This initiative, held under the honorary presidency of Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Meryem, aims to provide free reconstructive surgeries to approximately 90 patients, offering them a renewed opportunity for a smile and a better quality of life. The mission reflects the ongoing commitment to improving healthcare access for children and youth suffering from cleft lip and palate in Morocco.
This humanitarian effort will see over 90 healthcare professionals volunteering from Morocco as well as from 12 other countries. The medical team will consist of surgeons, anesthetists, pediatricians, speech therapists, dentists, nurses, and psychologists, all dedicated to this noble cause.
Preparations for the mission will commence on October 29, with the setup of operating rooms and recovery facilities. The following day, October 30, will be dedicated to medical assessments, consultations, and evaluations to determine the eligibility of patients for surgery. Surgical procedures are scheduled to take place from October 31 to November 3, with November 4 reserved for post-operative checks to monitor the patients' health and ensure they are recovering under optimal conditions.
Impact of the Smile Operation Association
The Smile Operation Association has previously demonstrated remarkable dedication by providing free surgical care to more than 14,100 patients, along with thousands of medical consultations and comprehensive care services for those affected by cleft lip and palate. Their work encompasses three specialized centers that offer continuous support throughout the year, assisting over 36,000 patients annually. This initiative showcases the significant humanitarian impact that the association has achieved, with a total of over 162,000 patients benefiting from various services.
Among its notable accomplishments, the association has established high-standard centers for diagnosing and treating cleft lip and palate cases in cities such as Casablanca, El Jadida, and Oujda. A fourth center is currently under development in Marrakech, further enhancing the accessibility of care for patients across the country. The association’s commitment extends to enhancing the capabilities of healthcare professionals through organized educational and training programs, covering a wide range of specialties including cleft lip and palate surgery, anesthesia, pediatric care, and emergency response training.
Globally, the Smile Operation Association has successfully provided more than 400,000 safe surgeries for individuals born with cleft lip and/or palate over the past four decades, underscoring its role as one of the largest nonprofit organizations in the field. Through the mobilization of thousands of medical volunteers from over 36 countries, the initiative continues to provide free surgical interventions to those in need, demonstrating the power of compassion and collaboration in healthcare.
As reported by kech24.com.
