Operation Smile

We are excited to announce a film produced for Operation Smile by BBC StoryWorks Works as part of the #BeyondTheCode series! Earlier this year, the BBC StoryWorks team filmed with us in Musanze, Rwanda, to capture how we are using AI technology to transform the surgical evaluation process for cleft conditions. This film highlights the life-changing impact of our work and demonstrates our commitment to advancing health equity through innovation. We are dedicated to creating sustainable solutions and driving innovations to ensure that all of our patients have access to the safe, high-quality care they deserve. A special thank you to everyone involved in this project, including Microsoft, Partnership on AI, University of Rwanda, Rwandan Ministry of Health, the Ruhengeri Hospital, and Musanze District for their support in making our work and this film possible. Watch the film and learn more about how AI is shaping the future of cleft care: https://lnkd.in/d37XXdqK #OperationSmile #ad #BeyondTheCode

At Operation Smile, we are dedicated to bridging the gap in access to essential surgeries and health care, starting with cleft surgery and comprehensive care. In Rwanda and other parts of the world, many patients and families face long, difficult journeys to access essential care. We’re committed to overcoming these barriers by bringing care closer to the communities we serve, making it easier for people to access the care they deserve. By investing in local medical education, training, and infrastructure, we deliver transformative services that strengthen healthcare systems for long-term impact. Through mentoring and skill development, we build local capacity and create lasting change. Our dedicated volunteers are essential to this effort, helping us reach more patients and transform more lives. Together, we can ensure every child, regardless of geography, gets the care they need and deserve. Watch the full video to learn more: https://lnkd.in/eaS6NbF7 #OperationSmile #HealthEquity #HealthForAll #GlobalHealth

Did you know that March 8 was #InternationalWomensDay? This global celebration recognizes the achievements of women while calling for action to advance #genderequity—a goal that is essential to achieving #healthequity. At Operation Smile, we are committed to supporting women in medicine by providing opportunities for education, mentorship, and leadership development. Through initiatives like our Women in Medicine programs, we aim to equip female health care professionals with the skills to lead, innovate, and create a more inclusive global health workforce.  To explore this topic further, check out Operation Smile Academy—our online platform offering educational resources and mentorship. There, you can access a past webinar where female leaders across cleft care specialties discuss how gender influences medical education and practice. This session also reflects on our #WomenInMedicine programs and features a Q&A where participants engaged directly with these inspiring professionals. Watch the webinar and hear from female leaders shaping the future of global health and discover how we’re accelerating action toward gender and health equity: https://lnkd.in/e7Uky9Ej      #AccelerateAction #IWD2025

In honor of this upcoming #InternationalWomensDay, we’re celebrating the women, who drive and #accelerateaction in global health—and highlighting one of our own, Dr. Allyn Auslander, PhD MPH, Associate Vice President of Research and Impact at Operation Smile.     With over a decade of experience, Allyn is leading transformative research that creates ripples of change. From uncovering genetic risk factors for cleft conditions to exploring how community health workers shape perceptions of surgery, her work is advancing both knowledge and care, shaping the future of cleft care. As part of this effort, she is leading a project to measure how our educational training programs ripple through communities—equipping local health professionals with new skills and ensuring a lasting impact on patient care.     In addition to her research, Allyn manages Operation Smile’s Global Surgery Fellows—doctors from around the world gaining the skills to become future leaders in global health. "We’re investing in the next generation of leaders to help them understand how nonprofits work, how you work with ministries of health, how you build partnerships, how you do research, so they can then go lead in their countries with that knowledge,” she explains.     Through global collaborations, mentorship, and a commitment to building the next generation of health leaders, Allyn and her team are accelerating progress and creating a #rippleeffect toward a more equitable future. Join us in celebrating Allyn and the many women whose work continues to create ripples of positive change. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/epMFe7x2     #Myrippleeffect #healthforall 

Last week, the Pan-African Surgical Conference brought together over 550 attendees from 36 countries to advance surgical care across the continent. Organized in partnership with the Rwanda Ministry of Health, Rwanda Surgical Society, and the University of Rwanda, the conference provided a platform to explore solutions for strengthening surgical systems, expanding access to essential surgery, and driving policy innovations. Throughout the week, speakers highlighted key strategies for improving surgical care in Africa, emphasizing the importance of investing in surgical education, mentorship, and fostering multidisciplinary teamwork—uniting surgeons, anesthetists, nurses, and other health care professionals to provide comprehensive care. Regional exchanges and south-to-south collaboration were identified as essential for sustainable impact, while public-private partnerships and research-driven decision-making were seen as crucial for lasting change. Discussions also focused on integrating research into clinical practice, leveraging emerging technologies like artificial intelligence to enhance patient outcomes, and expanding surgical training to strengthen local health capacity. A heartfelt thank you to our champion sponsor, Johnson & Johnson, and to everyone who made this event a success. Attendees left with new insights, connections, and a renewed sense of purpose to take back to their communities and health systems. Together, we’ve laid the foundation for lasting change and are shaping the future of surgical care across Africa. #PASC2025 #HealthforAll

Join us at #CSW69 on March 20 at the Church Center of the United Nations for a special side event hosted by Operation Smile, alongside ReSurge International, the Gender Equity Initiative in Global Surgery, and the American Medical Women's Association (AMWA). This year’s discussion, "Beijing at 30: Investing in Women to Build Access to Surgical Care," honors the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration—a landmark commitment to advancing the rights of women and girls.    This panel will examine how investing in key priorities outlined in the Beijing Declaration—such as education, healthcare access, and the engagement of women’s groups in national planning—can drive progress toward Global Surgery 2030. We will also explore how improving surgical access, particularly for underserved communities, accelerates these goals. Additionally, we will discuss how increased surgical access directly benefits women and girls, while investing in women within the health workforce strengthens systems and advances equity.      Our very own Women in Medicine Ambassador, Dr. Fetiya Awol, will address the participants with a keynote speech, while Dr. Elizabeth Coté, our VP of Global Medical Education, will moderate the panel. Speakers include Dr. Padmini Murthy MD , MPH , MS, FAMWA , FRSPH, Dr. Tereza Sigaud Soares Palmeira, Natalie Meyers, MPH, Dr. Prachi Patel, and Dr. Angie Galeas.     Be part of this important conversation—RSVP today: https://lnkd.in/e9abMKUe

At Operation Smile, we believe in the transformative power of partnerships to create sustainable, life-changing solutions. Through our partnership with Microsoft’s AI for Good initiative, we’ve developed a groundbreaking AI tool to support surgical teams in assessing patients and outcomes in cleft care. This innovative tool is featured in a film produced for us by BBC StoryWorks, showcasing how cutting-edge technology is revolutionizing cleft care and driving progress in health care access. By leveraging AI, we are advancing health equity and ensuring that more children around the world receive the care they deserve. We are grateful for the support of partners Partnership on AI, University of Rwanda, the Rwandan Ministry of Health, Ruhengeri Hospital, and Musanze District, whose contributions helped bring this important story to life. Together, we’re bridging gaps in health care, driving innovation, and transforming lives in communities around the world. Learn more about how this AI pilot tool is reshaping cleft care: https://lnkd.in/d37XXdqK #HealthEquity #Innovation #GlobalPartnerships #BeyondTheCode

Last week, the Pan-African Surgical Conference concluded an inspiring gathering that brought together leaders, experts, and policymakers from across Africa and beyond. Organized in partnership with the Rwanda Ministry of Health, Rwanda Surgical Society, and the University of Rwanda, the conference served as a key platform for advancing surgical care across the continent. Throughout the last two days of the event, speakers emphasized the critical role of research, policy advocacy, and National Surgical, Obstetric, and Anesthesia Plans (NSOAPs) in advancing surgical care. Discussions covered the potential of digital health solutions and the importance of patient education, as well as how integrating research into both academic and clinical practice can drive decision-making, shape policies, and ensure equitable care. Keynote speakers stressed the need to strengthen surgical systems, while breakout sessions focused on surgical education, patient care, and #globalhealth. These sessions fostered valuable knowledge exchange, collaborations, and shared strategies for strengthening #healthsystems through #partnerships. As the event concluded, resolutions were shared by Professor Faustin NTIRENGANYA, MD,MMED,FCS(Ecsa), FACS, PhD and Dr. William Magee, DDS, MD. We were honored to also hear closing remarks from Rwanda’s Minister of State for Health, Dr. Yvan Butera, whose words underscored the significance of this gathering in shaping the future of surgical care. Thank you to everyone who contributed to #PASC2025. Together, we continue to work to advance sustainable, high-quality care across Africa. #HealthEquity #HealthForAll Rwanda Convention Bureau - RCB

We are excited to announce that Operation Smile, has convened with Jhpiego GlobalArch Children's HeartLink MiracleFeet The G4 Alliance to form Global Action for Congenital Conditions (GACC). This new coalition will work alongside the World Health Organization (WHO) to transform how health systems and communities provide treatment and lifelong care for individuals affected by #congenitalconditions.   We envision a world where every person with a congenital condition not only survives but thrives. Through collaboration, we will make a lasting impact in three key areas.  ✅ Collective Advocacy: raise awareness and shape policies    ✅ Implementation & Knowledge Sharing: strengthen care through partnership    ✅ Mobilizing Support & Funding: expand resources for sustainable impact    Together we will bridge gaps in care and build stronger, more inclusive health systems worldwide.      If your organization is committed to advancing care for congenital conditions, join us in this mission! https://lnkd.in/gM_fFUbG #HealthForAll #GlobalAction #GACC

Join us on March 11 at 2:00 PM UTC for an insightful Operation Smile Academy live #webinar featuring our very own Pierrette Ngutete Mukundwa, senior Global Surgery Advocacy Fellow, and Desmond Tanko Jumbam, Director of Health Policy and Advocacy. In this session, titled “From Airwaves to Operating Rooms: Leveraging Podcasts & Digital Platforms for Surgical Education & Advocacy,” they’ll explore how digital platforms are transforming global surgical education and #advocacy. As the host of SurgiVoices Podcast and co-host of Global Health Unfiltered!, respectively, they’ll share how their podcasts amplify voices in #globalhealth, foster critical discussions, and drive meaningful change. Don’t miss this engaging conversation! Register for the webinar here: https://lnkd.in/eDHxjbnN Sign up for an Operation Smile Academy account to receive a certificate of attendance: https://lnkd.in/d-h6XN-j