Smile Train partners with Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research for free cleft surgeries

DIMAPUR — Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft-focused organisation, has partnered with the Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR), Chümoukedima to support free cleft surgeries and cleft care for children in Nagaland.

According to an update, the partnership aims to make timely cleft treatment accessible to families in remote areas who often face challenges of awareness and affordability.

Through the collaboration, Smile Train will empower CIHSR’s medical professionals to expand their Happy Smiles programme by providing training, funding, and technical resources to deliver safe and sustainable cleft care locally. The initiative also seeks to raise awareness about cleft as a treatable condition, ensuring that every child born with a cleft can lead a healthy and confident life.

Speaking on the partnership, Mamta Carroll, senior vice president and regional director, Asia, Smile Train, said, “We are delighted to partner with CIHSR to bring free, high-quality cleft care to children and families in Nagaland. Our goal is to ensure that every child born with a cleft has access to safe and timely treatment close to home. Through this collaboration, we will not only be transforming smiles but also empower local medical professionals and strengthen local healthcare systems for long-term impact.”

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Adding to this, Dr. Sedevi Angami, director of CIHSR, said, “We are deeply grateful for this collaboration with Smile Train, which will help us expand access to cleft treatment in Nagaland. Many families struggle to reach specialised care, and this partnership will make quality treatment available closer to home. It’s a meaningful step toward transforming lives, one smile at a time.”

It was mentioned that in India, an estimated 35,000 babies are born with a cleft lip and/or palate every year, and hundreds of thousands of children with untreated clefts live in isolation and face difficulties with eating, breathing, hearing, and speaking.

For free cleft treatment or related support, families can contact Smile Train’s toll-free helpline at 1800 103 8301.

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