Medical Activities for Cleft Lip and Palate in Asia and Africa
Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences
Advanced Therapeutics Course
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
NAKAMURA Norifumi
ISHIHATA Kiyohide
KIBE Toshiro
Background and objectives of activities
The cleft lip and palate is a congenital facial dysplasia in which a child is born with cleft lips, nose, and palate, and it occurs in all ethnic and racial groups. In Japan, there are many specialized treatment facilities for cleft lip and palate, and comprehensive medical care is provided by specialists. However, in developing countries in Asia and Africa, many cleft lip and palate patients are unable to receive appropriate surgery due to economic problems such as poverty, inadequate medical environment, and lack of specialist doctors, and many unoperated patients suffer from disabilities. In order to contribute to the elimination of medical disparities, medical staff from the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Kagoshima University Hospital are performing cleft lip and palate surgeries in Asia and Africa as part of overseas medical volunteer activities. In addition, they also cooperate in technology transfer and the creation of medical systems.
Summary of Activities
Medical activities in Asia have been conducted in Vietnam and Indonesia since 2006. Since 2010, he has also been conducting medical activities in Ethiopia, Africa. He travels to remote areas to evaluate patients' health conditions and perform cleft lip and cleft palate surgeries. He also worked on technology transfer to local medical staff. After returning to Japan, he has continued his activities of exchange with several universities in Ethiopia, and is training the next generation of medical professionals through online lectures, case studies, and other activities.
Expected Benefits
This project will contribute to the reduction of medical disparities in Asia and Africa through volunteer surgeries, technology transfer, and the education of local staff.