In East London, at least two children per week are admitted to Frere and Cecilia Makiwane hospitals with severe burn injuries.
Many of these burn survivors are in urgent need of reconstructive surgery, but unfortunately, due to high demand and limited resources at the plastic surgery units in Gqeberha and Mthatha, many of these children face a wait of up to two years for essential care.
Building on a longstanding partnership with Smile Foundation, Frere Hospital, under the guidance of Dr Milind Chitnis, is expanding its reach of predominantly cleft lip and palate surgeries, to reach more children and assist those affected by burns with these essential surgeries.
To address the shortage of plastic surgery expertise at East London’s Frere Hospital, Smile Foundation is launching a new initiative — a mini Smile Week — running from November 20 to 22.
Sponsored by Vodacom Foundation, the corporate social investment branch of Vodacom, this initiative uses the organisation’s resources to uplift and empower children from underserved communities.
Vodacom managing executive for the Eastern Cape, Zakhele Jiyane said: “Vodacom is a purpose-led organisation, and we exist to connect for a better future by empowering people, protecting the planet, and maintaining trust. We don’t exist in a vacuum, and as such, we respond to the needs of society everywhere we have operations.
“To do this, we partner with governments and NGOs, such as the Smile Foundation, whose ethos is aligned with ours, to safeguard the welfare of children.
“The surgeries in Frere Hospital will help children live a life inspired by confidence and possibility, no matter their circumstances. We are delighted to partner with the Smile Foundation as our joint efforts are positively affecting children’s lives and enable disadvantaged children to face the world with a positive self-image.”
Thanks to senior private sector plastic surgeons Dr Andre Kepler and Dr Timothy Perks volunteering their time, nine children in the public healthcare system will receive life-changing surgeries.
This initiative marks the first back-to-back surgeries over two consecutive paediatric reconstructive surgery days for burn survivors at Frere Hospital, aiming to uplift the psychological wellbeing of these young patients.
This mini Smile Week also offers valuable skills-transfer opportunities, with hands-on experience in reconstructive surgeries.
“On behalf of Smile Foundation, I extend heartfelt thanks to Vodacom Foundation for their tremendous generosity,” Smile Foundation CEO Tarri Parfitt said.
“We are deeply grateful for the outstanding team of surgeons, medical professionals, and hospital staff whose commitment brings life-changing surgery and care to children in need, transforming young lives one surgery at a time.”
