International Conference on Comprehensive Cleft Care Concluded in Guwahati, Assam

The two-day International Conference on Comprehensive Cleft Care (ICCCC) concluded in Guwahati, Assam on 10 November 2013. The theme of the conference was Think Big: Partnerships Involved in the Delivery of Comprehensive Cleft Care.

During the conference, a unique declaration was adopted in which it was decided that Assam will take the global role for Cleft care Delivery in the world, including the areas of Training, Education, Research and Technology.

The Guwahati Centre of the Operation Smile recently conducted 10 thousand cleft and palate deformities surgeries and is the only centre in the world to do so.

The International Conference on Comprehensive Cleft Care was organised by the Operation Smile India in support with the Government of Assam.

What is cleft lip and palate?

A cleft is an opening, fissure or V-shaped indentation. In terms of anatomy, a cleft lip and palate is the congenital deformity. It leads to abnormal facial development during the gestation period.

The condition is found right from the birth. It is important to note that approximately 1 in 700 children are born with the cleft lip or cleft palate or both. The condition was also known as harelip in the past.

Clefts might also affect other parts of the face such as ears, nose, eyes, cheeks and forehead. The condition of cleft lip and palate is treatable successfully with the help of a surgery.