The ongoing free surgery by Cleft and facial deformity foundation in collaboration with TY Danjuma foundation currently holding at FMC Keffi, has recorded tremendous success.
At the time of filing this report, 75 patients have registered while 12 have also successful being operated as confirmed my Executive director, CFGF, Dr. Seidu Adebayo Bello.
During the opening ceremony of the surgery which had in attendance the chief medical director of FMC Keffi, Dr. Yahaya Baba Adamu and chief executive office, TY Danjuma foundation among others.
Speaking during the program, Dr. Seidu Adebayo Bello, said Facial Deformities is a group of diseases that present not just with body pain, but immense Psychological disturbance brought by social stigmatization which usually affects people who has no access to medication.
The maxillofacial Surgeon, said the theme of the 28th free Cleft and facial deformity, is “we need support for the building of Abuja craniofacial hospital for poor to provide access to medical service to the vulnerables in the society.
He emphasized that already, the foundation has acquired large land located at new Karshi which is about one hour drive from Abuja and approved Plan of the building has been secured and some preliminary work has commenced and is expected to cost 1billion naira.
“From our experience, facial deformities could be divided into four, Facial clefts (Cleft lip and Palate): Openings on the lip and palate. Patients are born with the condition (Congenital defects).
In most cases, causes are unknown but occasionally genetics and some environmental factors could be responsible, Facial Tumor: Refers to various facial swellings that can occur. They are acquired and the causes are unknown in most cases. This occurs at all ages.
“Locked Jaw {TMJ (Temporo mandibular joint) Ankylosis}: Refers to inability to open the mouth. Usually occurs as a result of ear infection in infancy that spread from the ear to the joint.
It could also be due to trauma to the joint in infancy, Noma: This is a condition that presents with extreme facial distortion that can range from minor to some grotesque facial deformities. However unlike cleft lip and palate”.
According to Dr. Seidu, Cleft and facial deformity foundation came in to being 13 years ago to serve as a platform to proffer a solution to Nigerian problem of facial deformity scourge by creating awareness and assisting the less privileged with free surgery and commended the management of FMC for providing them with the facilities for the smooth exercise.
On his part, the Chief Medical director FMC Keffi, Dr. Yahaya Baba Adams, applauded CFDF for always complementing government efforts by conducting free surgeries to the less privileged in the society.
Also speaking, the chief executive officer, TY Danjuma Foundation, Mr. Gima Forje, opined that TY Danjuma apart from paying attention to the health challenges of the poor in the society, the foundation has also focus on education among other things just as Olagba Sunday, Nasarawa state Chairman, Nigerian dental association, Praised Dr. Seidu with his team of volunteers for their efforts towards ensuring the success of the surgeries.
Our reporter gathered the event kicked started last Saturday and is expected to be on for one week.
