The sixth congress of the Pan African Association for Cleft Lip and Palate has commenced in Abuja, Nigeria, with a focus on building sustainable and resilient cleft care across the continent. The event, hosted by the Nigerian Association of Cleft Lip and Palate in partnership with Smile Train and Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, brings together multidisciplinary professionals, researchers, and policymakers. The congress aims to strengthen access to quality cleft care through scientific sessions, training workshops, and advocacy discussions.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, declared the congress open, emphasizing the importance of government support for sustainable cleft care. He linked the discussions to Nigeria's broader health sector priorities, including the recently signed Aso Rock Declaration on Health 2026 and the National Surgical, Obstetric, Anaesthesia and Nursing Plan. Pate stressed that government funding, regulation, and defense in the national budget are crucial for the endurance of cleft care initiatives.
Prof. Adeola Olusanya, President of PAACLIP, urged members to strengthen collaboration across countries and disciplines to advance advocacy for cleft care. She emphasized that PAACLIP is founded on supportive multidisciplinary teams and that a unified voice will build advocacy initiatives in local communities. Olusanya's call for collaboration aims to enhance the impact of cleft care efforts across Africa.
Mrs. Nkeiruka (NK) Obi, Smile Train Vice-President and Regional Director for Africa, called on delegates to advocate for comprehensive cleft care inclusion in national health financing systems. She also encouraged the publication of outcomes generated by African treatment centers and mentorship of the next generation of cleft-care professionals. Obi emphasized that Africa has the opportunity to lead cleft care and advocacy globally.
The congress's theme, "Building Sustainable and Resilient Cleft Care in Africa," reflects the need for scalable and sustainable cleft care systems within local communities. Delegates are expected to identify ways to build these systems to ensure that no child lives with untreated clefts. The event provides a platform for stakeholders to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices in cleft care.
The Nigerian Association of Cleft Lip and Palate, in partnership with Smile Train and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, is driving efforts to address cleft care in Nigeria and across Africa. The collaboration aims to improve access to quality cleft care and promote sustainable health financing. The congress is a significant step towards achieving these goals.
The Pan African Association for Cleft Lip and Palate's sixth congress in Abuja has set the stage for critical discussions on sustainable cleft care across Africa. Key stakeholders are advocating for stronger African-led advocacy, sustainable health financing, and comprehensive cleft care. The event's outcomes are expected to shape the future of cleft care on the continent.
Key points
- PAACLIP calls for stronger African-led advocacy and sustainable health financing for cleft care.
- The sixth PAACLIP congress aims to strengthen access to quality cleft care across Africa.
- Delegates advocate for comprehensive cleft care inclusion in national health financing systems.
