Global Impact’s charity partner, Operation Smile, believes that access to safe surgery is a basic human right. Yet, billions of people around the world do not have access to safe, affordable surgical care when they need it. World Health Day (April 7) is the perfect time to learn more about their mission and how you can get involved.
Every Operation Smile patient bears a badge of hope in the form of a scar — a symbol that they received the surgical care they needed, found hope, and began a new chapter in life. From the people who wear them with pride to the skilled doctors who worked tirelessly on them, these marks of surgical artistry tell stories of inspiration, care, and resilience.
Operation 100 is a commitment to bring care closer to communities, starting by equipping 100 cleft operative teams with advanced skills, essential equipment, and enhanced infrastructure across 100 hospitals. It uses education as a force multiplier, providing training and mentorship opportunities to health care providers so they can work in their own communities.
This five-year strategic initiative will strengthen district hospitals and train local surgical teams to bring surgical care closer to 100 communities — and 100 is just the start. It closes the distance patients need to travel for essential care. It’s breaking down barriers to surgical care and advancing health equity, so no one is left behind.
There are millions of people with cleft conditions in the countries that Operation Smile operates in. The stories below are just a few examples of how lives are changed with accessible, affordable, comprehensive care.
Junior Jeremias
📍 Guatemala
Junior Jermias was introduced to Operation Smile on the very first day of his life. As a newborn, he needed cleft surgery that the Operation Smile team was able to provide. He’s continued with regular check ups and comprehensive care. Now, five years later, he is confident in school and life!
Narya
📍Madagascar
When she was young, Narya was shy and bullied because of her differences from cleft lip. Her first surgery at 6 and second surgery at 15 changed all that. Now, at 18 years old, she is confident speaking up in school and looking to her future thanks to the Operation Smile partner hospital doctors and nurses.
Hessey & Angely
📍Honduras
Hessey had gestational diabetes and hypothyroidism during her pregnancy with Angely. Angely was also diagnosed with a cleft condition while Hessey was still pregnant with her. Still, a healthy baby Angely was born and both mother and baby received the care they needed. Through an Operation smile partner hospital, they’ve continued to receive care that includes nutrition, speech therapy, oral care, and surgery preparation while Angely grows up.
Get Involved
All these incredible stories show how Operation Smile’s Operation 100 initiative helps people by bringing the care they need to their communities. None of this would be possible if patients had to travel long distances to get the care they needed, not to mention if health care workers in these communities didn’t have proper training and education.
You and your workplace can help more people like them get lifesaving surgeries and comprehensive care:
- Donate to Operation Smile through your workplace giving campaign. Many companies even match your donation so you can double (or even triple!) your impact.
- Support the Global Health Fund through our website or your workplace.
- Get in touch with us about a corporate partnership or hosting a World Health Day event with Operation Smile at your in-person or virtual office.
World Health Day is all about making sure everyone has access to the care they need. Operation Smile is working hard to make that a reality. When companies team up with organizations like Operation Smile, more people around the world get critical care and your company demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility, generates goodwill, and increases brand awareness. It’s a win-win!
