Free cleft lip surgery kicks off in Lakes State

About 20 patients are expected to benefit from free cleft lip surgery at Rumbek State Hospital in Lakes State through a campaign launched in Rumbek Central County on Wednesday by Cleft Support International, with support from the Catholic Diocese of Wau, in collaboration with the Lakes State Ministry of Health.

The initiative aims to provide specialized treatment to patients whose families may not be able to afford the cost of surgery.

Dr. Gabriel Makuac Chuor, Acting Medical Director of Rumbek State Hospital, said the medical team had arrived in the state to conduct the surgical program.

“There is a team that came from the Diocese of Wau for a one-day cleft surgery camp. This means that the patients will be discharged immediately after the operation,” he said. “So far, we have 20 patients whom we will operate on because the message was not well coordinated and did not reach out well there because it is the first time this organization is coming here.”

“I hope that the turnout will be better next time, from 8 to 9 November, when we hold another camp for those who missed this time,” Dr. Makuac added.

James Tarzoh, Coordinator of Oral Health at Cleft Support International, said the team has conducted free cleft lip surgeries in several states across South Sudan.

“We have carried out surgeries in Aweil, Warrap, Wau, and now we have been sent here to Rumbek to carry out free cleft lip surgeries,” he said. “The surgery is free, the medication is free, and we give the patients transport to and from the hospital.”

“We operate on children three months old and above, and we have never had any complications or deaths,” Tarzoh added.

He announced that another surgical session would be held at Rumbek State Hospital on 8 and 9 November 2026, giving patients who miss the current exercise another opportunity to receive treatment.

Tarzoh added that Rumbek North County was excluded because insecurity made travel to the area difficult and risky, but patients from there can still travel to Rumbek Town to receive treatment, with transportation assistance available.

Meanwhile, Dr. Teran Madit, Director General at the Lakes State Ministry of Health, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of citizens.

He said the ministry would continue working to ensure essential health services reach communities across the state, including through free cleft lip surgery.

“Cleft lip is a congenital condition in which a baby is born with an opening in the upper lip. It can affect feeding and speech development, but surgery can repair the opening and improve a patient’s quality of life,” he explained. “The free surgical program is expected to reduce the financial burden on families seeking specialized medical care.”

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