Operation Smile

Uyu munsi, ku Bitaro byigisha byo ku rwego rwa II bya Kibungo, Umunyamabanga Uhoraho @JNdayizigiye, yatashye inzu nshya y’indembe (ICU), n’inzu y’ibagiro irimo ibikoresho bigezweho, byubatswe ku bufatanye n’umuryango @operationsmile. Izi nyubako zizafasha mu kongerera ibitaro ubushobozi bwo kubaga, no kwegereza abaturage serivisi z’ubuvuzi zo ku rwego rwisumbuye batagombye koherezwa i Kigali. Ibi bikorwa biri muri gahunda ya Guverinoma y’u Rwanda yo kugeza serivisi z’ubuvuzi zifite ireme kuri bose. =============== Today, at Kibungo Level II Teaching Hospital, PS @JNdayizigiye inaugurated a new Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and an expanded, fully equipped Operating Theatre, developed in partnership with @operationsmile. This infrastructure will significantly strengthen the hospital's surgical capacity and bring advanced, life-saving care closer to communities, reducing the need for referrals to Kigali for specialized services. The milestone reflects the Government of Rwanda’s continued commitment to expanding equitable access to quality healthcare for all.

#Oralhealth is essential to overall health, yet nearly half the world is affected by oral diseases. This #WorldOralHealthDay, and every day, we work to expand access to dental care for patients with cleft conditions — supporting health, happiness and brighter smiles everywhere.

Proper #nutrition is essential for #safesurgery and healthy recovery for children with cleft conditions. This #NationalNutritionMonth, we’re proud to support families with #education, guidance and resources to help children thrive before and after surgery.

Last week during #CSW70, we hosted a side event on advancing opportunities for #womeninmedicine. The discussion explored barriers in #training and career advancement, especially in low- and middle-income countries, and solutions to build a stronger, inclusive health workforce.

Join us Mar 24 at 10 a.m. EST for a live #webinar with @chifundo_grace titled “Profits Over Lives: Hyper-commercialisation of Medical Equipment and its Impact on Patient Care and Education.” Don’t miss this chance to expand your knowledge! Register now: bit.ly/3NrToMG

Proud to join @MiracleFeet, @CHeartLink and the Global Action of Congenital Conditions in supporting a @WHO satellite session at #IMNHC2026 on March 24 in Nairobi. The session will explore strategies to strengthen newborn screening and care for congenital conditions in LMICs.

Last month, we hosted our first MENA Nurse Development Training in Casablanca, bringing together 30 #nurses from across the region. Through discussions and hands-on practice, participants strengthened their #leadership capabilities & skills in providing safe, surgical care

Proper nutrition is essential for children with cleft conditions to safely undergo surgery. In Petén, Guatemala, Anayosell Castellanos helps families through our nutrition program—supporting children before, during and after surgery. #NationalNutritionMonth #NNM2026

Recently, we hosted a LAC Surgical Educator Accelerator in #Ecuador, bringing together 14 cleft surgeons from 8 countries for an innovative #training program designed to equip them with skills and strategies to become stronger educators and trainers.

Recently, we partnered with @NeeleySchoolTCU for the 2026 Graduate Supply Chain Case Competition! 20 student teams from leading MBA/MS programs spent 24 hours solving real-world supply chain challenges, helping us expand and improve the delivery of surgical care around the world.

Happy #PatientSafetyAwarenessWeek (March 8–14)! At Operation Smile, we are committed to providing safe, timely, and effective surgical and comprehensive care. By strengthening practices and sharing knowledge, we ensure every patient receives the gold-standard care they deserve.

This #InternationalWomensDay, we're celebrating all the women advancing care in their communities. Through our Women in Medicine initiative, we invest in training, mentorship & leadership opportunities — because when women are supported, entire communities benefit #GiveToGain

5 billion people globally lack access to safe surgical care. Across Africa, leaders are working to change that — through locally led surgical systems, regional workforce training, and stronger health infrastructure. Is progress being made? Learn more: dvx.cm/prkml7

Women make up nearly 70% of the health workforce but hold only 25% of leadership roles. In Brazil, our #WomeninMedicine program is changing that through training & mentorship that strengthen local health teams & expand access to care. Learn more: bit.ly/4b3mf1v #IWD2026

One year after the first Pan-African Surgical Conference in Kigali, leaders from @operationsmile, @COSESCA & @Uni_Rwanda reflected on progress, challenges & surgical equity in Africa in a @Devex hosted conversation. Learn more: bit.ly/4bqaG5T

As #InternationalWomensDay approaches, we're celebrating women like Abril. Born with a cleft palate, surgery and speech therapy gave her confidence—and now she gives back, volunteering with @OpSmileMX while pursuing nursing to help others. Read more: bit.ly/4r0TtVl

Congrats to Fouzia Mahmoudi, our very own regional senior vice president for MENA, on being named a winner of the Arab Hope Makers Award. Selected from 15,000+ nominations, this honor recognizes her leadership in expanding access to safe, high-quality care across the region.

Join us March 10 at 10 am EST for a live #webinar with @estherchinmd, co-founder of @STITCHsurgmodel. In this session, she'll share how interdisciplinary #innovation can drive impact in #globalsurgery. Register now: bit.ly/46ZaR5A

On March 8, we’re proud to celebrate #InternationalWomensDay and this year’s theme, #GiveToGain. “What advice would you give to the next generation of women in medicine?” Share your advice in the replies or tag us in your own post so we can amplify your voice. #IWD2026

A year after the inaugural Pan-African Surgical Conference, we joined @Devex for a discussion on turning commitments into measurable progress in surgical equity in Africa. Watch the full discussion: dvx.cm/ucnd0n #HealthEquity #Operation100 #HealthforAll