March 5-15, 2026 Operation International’s Cleft Repair Team will return to Houaphanh, Laos for our second surgery mission in the region. Houaphanh is one of the most underserved and geographically isolated provinces in Laos, where access to specialized surgical care is extremely limited due to widespread poverty, geographic isolation, and a critical shortage of trained healthcare providers. Our team aims to help fill this gap in care by providing life changing cleft lip and palate repairs for patients who otherwise have no access to these surgical services.
Untreated cleft lip and palate leads to lifelong feeding and speech difficulties, recurrent infections, social isolation, and reduced economic opportunities. Our team plans to provide cleft lip and palate repair to 60 patients from Houaphanh and surrounding provences. In most setting, these surgeries are performed within the first year of life; however, in Houaphanh, many patients live with these conditions well into adulthood due to lack of access to care.
The mission will have immediate, life changing impact by providing cleft lip and palate repair to 60 patients who otherwise would not have access to care, helping improve feeding, speech, overall health, and social integration. Beyond the surgeries, our team will work closely with local surgeons, anesthetists and nurses to share practical skills so care can continue after we leave.
In March 2026, I had the privilege of joining the Operational International Cleft Palate team on their second mission to Laos. It was meaningful to return to Houaphanh, Laos after my memorable experience there last year. As a family physician, I participated in both pre-operative screening and post-operative care for patients. I was able to connect with patients and their families on a more personal level by understanding the psychosocial and cultural factors that influence their recovery and overall well-being.
Working alongside a pediatric ER physician I regularly collaborate with, we partnered closely with dedicated surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and administrative volunteers to provide comprehensive and compassionate care to these underserved patients. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such a caring and passionate group of volunteers and to help care for such a beautiful and resilient group of patients.
