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Nampharm Foundation celebrates 550 successful cleft lip surgeries

Founded 19 years ago
The life-changing surgeries are performed every Wednesday by a team of volunteer medical specialists.
Rita Kakelo
On its 19th anniversary, the Nampharm Foundation celebrated the completion of 550 successful reconstructive surgeries for children with cleft lip and palate conditions.

The foundation also renewed a five-year memorandum of understanding with the health ministry last Friday, enhancing its ability to assist more children with facial deformities.

In a speech delivered on behalf of executive director Ben Nangombe, deputy executive director Jeremia Nghipundjwa highlighted that this partnership epitomises the spirit of compassion, dedication and collective effort towards a common goal. "The betterment of our society begins with assisting children needing facial reconstructive surgery,” he said.

The life-changing surgeries are performed every Wednesday at Rhino Park Hospital in Windhoek by a team of volunteer medical specialists from Namibia, including a plastic surgeon, maxillofacial surgeon, anaesthetist, orthodontist, dentist, speech therapist and paediatrician.

Significant development

Former first lady of Namibia and Nampharm Foundation patron Penehupifo Pohamba announced that it successfully obtained its social welfare certificate last year. “This significant development allows the foundation to receive donations from a wider range of donors, including the public, corporate entities and international donors,” she said.

In a statement, the foundation expressed gratitude to the many people who have assisted it in helping Namibian children who suffer from cleft lip and palate conditions. Through the support of its sponsors, it now provides holistic care, ensuring each child reintegrates fully into society, it said.

A child's cleft lip should ideally be repaired around the age of three months, and a cleft palate should be repaired before the age of one. As the child grows, additional surgeries may be needed to help them overcome challenges with speech and feeding.

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-04

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