Introducing Operation 100
Our new blueprint to train and equip 100 local cleft surgical care teams – bringing care closer to home for nearly half a billion people.
Five billion people don’t have access to essential surgical care. Using Operation Smile’s 40+ years of expertise in expanding surgical access, Operation 100 will help change that
Care closer to home for half a billion people
Operation 100 will equip 100 cleft surgical teams with advanced skills, essential equipment and enhanced healthcare infrastructure in 100 hospitals. These teams will be able to independently deliver life-changing surgeries at district hospitals, making essential cleft surgery accessible within two hours of home for nearly 500 million people.
Understanding the care gap
We believe safe, essential surgery is a human right. Unfortunately, 5 billion people – more than two-thirds of the world’s population – lack access to safe, affordable surgery. Access is most challenging in low- and lower-middle-income countries, where 9 out of 10 people can’t get basic surgical care.
An estimated 143 million more surgeries are needed annually, requiring 2.2 million more surgeons, anaesthetists and obstetricians.
For too long, patients have been forced to travel for days, exhausting their resources just to reach surgical care – only to be turned away. Operation 100 is about building hope.
Kathy Magee
Co-Founder, President and CEO of Operation Smile
How we can remove barriers to care
Every day, we see the obstacles our patients face in accessing care. As a data-driven organisation, we know where our patients are and the distances they travel to access the care they need. For example, 80% of our patients in Guatemala have to travel more than two hours to access care. We hear stories of patients walking for hours to reach our surgical programmes.
We are bridging the gap by bringing care closer to the communities we serve, ensuring everyone gets access to the high-quality care they deserve. By addressing barriers like distance, limited health care infrastructure and lack of trained professionals, we’re ensuring that more people have access to life-changing surgery close to home.
No patient or family left behind
100 is just the start. We’re breaking down barriers to surgical care and advancing health equity, so no-one is left behind. Operation 100 is a transformational strategy, driven by our commitment to lasting impact. It will change lives – not only for patients, but for families, communities and healthcare providers for years to come.
Find out more
What is a cleft condition?
Here are some common questions we’re often asked about cleft conditions. They show why our work is so important and how, with your support, we can save lives.
Safe surgery
Operation Smile medical volunteers have already delivered free cleft surgery to hundreds of thousands of patients around the globe, but we’re committed to finding and healing the many thousands of children and families who still need our help.
We have made a commitment to increase access to care for 1 million patients who need cleft care and other essential surgeries, particularly those in remote areas.
Behind a smile
Cleft surgery transforms lives, but for many children with cleft conditions, there’s a complex package of care needed to make sure they’re strong enough for surgery and recovery.
Meet some of the experts who support our patients – and their families – on the path to their life-changing surgery.
