The Manila Times

Smile Train elevates cleft care for Filipinos in need

Consultations, and psychosocial care. To learn more about Smile Train’s local programs in the Philippines, please visit smiletrain.ph, follow Smile Train Philippines on Instagram @SmileTrainPh, and like us on Facebook at @SmileTrainPhilippines.

SMILE Train recognizes that children born with a cleft lip and/or palate still face serious health implications from this condition amid this pandemic.

The situation pushed Smile Train to become even more focused and persistent in its work. In 2021, it was able to provide 2,500 cleft surgeries — 750 more than in the previous year.

By leveraging technology to ensure access to much-needed services, Smile Train also enabled more medical professionals to offer telehealth consultations and speech therapy sessions.

Kimmy Coseteng-Flaviano, Smile Train vice president-South East Asia, said, “Throughout last year, we wanted our beneficiaries to know that Smile Train services are ongoing and have never stopped. We want our patients to know that hope is not lost. While we stay at home for everyone’s safety, Smile Train worked hard to innovate and create programs to reach more Filipinos in need.”

Through the first Filipino speech therapy app developed by Smile Train and its speech telehealth program, patients can continue to receive their treatment and guidance from healthcare professionals in the comfort and safety of their homes despite mobility restrictions.

Since its launch in 2021, the application has reached an audience of 50,053 Filipinos for continued treatment and services. The app alsofeaturesawidearrayofeducationalvideos and speech therapy sessions in Filipino, with features and content for young patients. The application is available for download on the App Store and Google Play.

This program has provided patients with more than 2,000 cleft care-related sessions, covering speech therapy, nutritional support, breastfeeding guidance for mothers of babies with clefts, pre-surgical

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2022-01-29T08:00:00.0000000Z

2022-01-29T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://manilatimes.pressreader.com/article/282205129278699

The Manila Times