Qatar Charity (QC) has started performing surgeries on 150 children with cleft lip and cleft palate in the Somali capital, Mogadishu. So far, 50 surgeries have been performed.

This is part of ‘Sinaeat Alibtisamah’ (Making a Smile), an initiative of Qatar Charity for the treatment of children with cleft lip.

These surgeries are performed under the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by Qatar Charity with the Somali-Sudanese Specialized Hospital and Kalkaal Hospital. The surgeries will continue until the end of this month.

In this context, Dr. Ahmed Adam, Advisor to the Somali Minister of Health, stated, "Qatar Charity is always at the forefront in providing humanitarian assistance, and such medical campaigns have a tangible impact on the lives of children in Somalia."

He added that children are an integral part of society and should enjoy their full rights, including the right to healthcare, and every child should have access to healthcare necessary for their healthy growth and development, including access to preventive and therapeutic services.

Dr. Talal Mohammed, a cosmetic specialist, said that these surgeries are of great importance in the lives of these children, especially as they help improve their appearance, contributing to boosting their self-confidence. He added that the surgeries also assist them in leading a normal life without facing difficulties in communication or nutrition.

Dr. Talal thanked Qatar Charity for supporting this humanitarian initiative, which contributes to improving the lives of children in Somalia.

The beneficiaries and parents expressed their happiness and appreciation for the efforts made by Qatar Charity. In this context, Mr. Roble Mohammed, the father of a 45-day-old child, stated that Qatar Charity has restored hope to him. He indicated that his concern was related to how to cover the costs of the operation, noting that this situation reflects the challenges faced by many parents in Somalia who struggle to meet their daily needs.

On the other hand, 16-year-old Yaqoub Ali Jari shared his personal experience, stating that he suffered from a cleft lip that made him cry intensely when going to school. He added that now, thanks to Qatar Charity, he has regained his joy and will smile a lot. He expressed deep gratitude to Qatar Charity, which has changed his life for the better.