ASK Foundation Supports Free Cleft Operations in South Sudan

(JUBA) – Children born with cleft lip and cleft palate conditions have received free corrective surgeries at Gudele Hospital in Juba, as part of a medical outreach programme supported by the ASK Foundation.

The Senior Presidential Envoy on Special Programmes, Adut Salva Kiir Mayardit, visited the hospital on Wednesday to meet the recovering patients and their families.

She offered encouragement and noted the importance of continued care and outreach to identify more children in need of treatment.

Medical teams reported that several successful corrective surgeries have been completed in two days. Additional assessments are ongoing as part of the programme.

Specialist surgeons from Deutsche Cleft Kinderhilfe e.V., including Dr. Gunther Au Balbach and Dr. Oliver Blume, briefed the Senior Envoy on cleft lip and palate conditions.

They spoke about causes, treatment approaches and the importance of early intervention. They noted that the mission also aims to strengthen local medical capacity through training and knowledge transfer to South Sudanese health professionals.

The Senior Envoy commended both international and local medical teams. She described the initiative as a strong example of humanitarian partnership, compassion and hope for affected families.