Helping children with cleft lip and palate

Cleft lip and palate is one of the most common birth defects; one out of 500 newborn children is affected. Many children from families in developing countries often do not have access to a qualified medical treatment. Deutsche Cleft Kinderhilfe funds the necessary surgeries and followup therapies they need.

With success: In the first 20 years of our association's history since 2002, more than 80,000 surgeries–and with them happier lives for thousands of cleft children–were enabled.

Without treatment, cleft children are severely impaired in their daily lives. They are often ostracized because of their appearance, and live on the margins of society with their families. Depending on the type and severity of the cleft, they face severe functional impairments. The children cannot swallow, eat or drink properly. As babies, they are often mal- and undernourished, making them susceptible to infectious diseases. In the worst case, their lives can be endangered as a result.

Your donation gives cleft children a chance to live healthy, happy lives.