Sharing Knowledge, Strengthening Health Systems

Operation Smile was proud to attend the European Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association (ECPCA) Congress from June 24 to 28, 2024, in Milan, Italy. This conference provided a great platform to showcase the impactful work Operation Smile does and to highlight our current research in the field.

Led by Dr. Maria Costanza Meazzini di Seyssel, ECPCA president and scientific director of Operation Smile’s Cleft Lip and Palate Regional Center in Milan, the conference provided a platform to share the latest research and innovations in cleft care.

At the conference, Operation Smile showcased our commitment to advancing health equity, starting with cleft surgery and comprehensive care. Our diverse team of more than 20 representatives, including some of our global surgery fellows, health policy and advocacy regional leads, regional directors, executive directors, surgical training managers and business development officers, presented and discussed critical topics such as empowering women in medicine, addressing malnutrition in patients with cleft conditions, oral health strategies and advancing surgical techniques and access. Additionally, our team conducted discussions on building local health capacity in low- and middle-income countries, expanding cleft care globally, and enhancing surgical programs through education and strategic innovations.

Through our research, Operation Smile aims to create a lasting impact by improving care for our patients and their communities, while also contributing knowledge that influences health systems and policies within the global health and cleft research.