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Operation Smile has transformed lives around the world by providing care to patients for more than 40 years.
- Cleft Explained Get the basics on cleft conditions.
- Surgery and Beyond Learn how cleft care is more than surgery.
- Real-Life Stories Read stories from our patients and volunteers.
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Give children the chance to grow up without life-threatening health problems and social stigma.
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Since our founding in 1982, Operation Smile has believed that access to safe surgery is not a privilege, but a universal human right.
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- Cleft Explained
- Surgery and Beyond
- Real-Life Stories
- Where We Work
- Health Workforce Strengthening
- Youth Empowerment
- Policy and Advocacy
- Strategic Partners
- Thought Leadership
- Ways to Give
- Share Your Medical Expertise
- Student Programs
- Advocate for Us
- Partner With Us
- Our Story and Impact
- Our Leadership
- Corporate Partners
- Financials and Reports
- News and Media
- Interactive Learning Center
- Careers

Venezuela

Operation Smile has been working in Venezuela since 1993, providing high-quality care for children born with cleft conditions.

In Venezuela, 1 in 700 children are born with a cleft condition. Many don’t receive care.

Image of map of Venezuela

Operation Smile Venezuela: By the Numbers

In Venezuela, children affected by cleft conditions receive access to safe surgery and multidisciplinary support.

1993

Year Services Began in Venezuela

9,400+

Cleft Surgeries

217

Surgical Programs

Yoel, his wife, Yelisbeth, and their four daughters left their home, friends and jobs behind in search of a better life.

Read this family’s story

It took the family nearly three days to reach Brazil.

Read This Family’s Story

There, they sought help from Operation Smile Brazil for their daughter.

Read This Family’s Story

More Stories from the Region

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Latin America and the Caribbean

Visit With a Surgical Volunteer in Mexico
Latin America and the Caribbean

From Medical Records Volunteer to Executive Director
Latin America and the Caribbean

Through a Resident’s Eyes
Latin America and the Caribbean

Mateo’s Journey
Latin America and the Caribbean

Meet Isaac
Latin America and the Caribbean

Beyond Surgery: Inspiring Moments with Operation Smile in Peru
Latin America and the Caribbean

Meet Camila and Mateo and Their Moms
Latin America and the Caribbean

Highlighting Our Partnership with Beast Philanthropy
Latin America and the Caribbean

Leao’s Odyssey
Latin America and the Caribbean

Fight for Happiness
Latin America and the Caribbean

The Change in Lucas
Global

“I’m the Key”

Get Involved

You can give children a chance to grow up without life-threatening health problems, social stigma, isolation and feelings of hopelessness.

More Ways to Get Involved

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