Living with a Cleft Lip in Madagascar
For 22 years, Joseph lived with a cleft lip — a condition that left him feeling isolated and overlooked. In his small village in Madagascar, medical care was scarce, and access to surgery was simply out of reach.
“I always feel alone because people don’t want to be around me,” he said. His confidence diminished as he avoided social situations, hiding behind fear of judgement and rejection.
A Missed Chance — and a Second Opportunity
In 2016, Joseph’s aunt learned that patients like him could receive a free cleft lip surgery on board the Africa Mercy®, thanks to kind supporters like you. But Joseph couldn’t face the idea of strangers staring at him — or worse, laughing. So, he stayed home.
“I cannot afford the surgery,” he admitted, accepting a life of solitude.
Years later, in 2024, Joseph made a courageous decision. Mercy Ships had returned to Madagascar, and this time, he made the 12-hour journey to the coastal city of Toamasina.
As he walked into the port alone, he felt the weight of years spent hiding. “If I had friends,” he said, “I wouldn’t have walked alone.”
An Australian Surgeon Offers More Than Surgery
Joseph’s surgery was led by Dr. Chong, an Australian cleft lip and palate specialist who volunteers with Mercy Ships. He immediately recognised the emotional scars Joseph carried.
“Many older patients avoid eye contact and carry deep shame,” Dr. Chong explained. “Joseph is one of them — a young man whose life was defined by something treatable.”
Thanks to Dr. Chong and the volunteer medical team, Joseph’s cleft lip was successfully repaired — giving him more than a new smile. It gave him hope.
Why So Many Are Still Waiting
In Australia, cleft lip and palate surgery is typically performed within the first few months of life. Patients receive ongoing support through speech therapy, dental care, and follow-up surgeries if needed — all part of our robust healthcare system.
But in Madagascar, around 80% of people live below the poverty line. Specialist surgeons are few and far between, and many children and adults live their whole lives without treatment.
Training Local Health Professionals for Sustainable Impact
Joseph’s surgery wasn’t just a moment of personal healing — it was part of a long-term strategy to strengthen local health systems.
Onboard the Africa Mercy, Joseph was treated by a team that included Malagasy surgeons, nurses, anaesthetists, speech therapists, and a dentist — all receiving hands-on training as part of a partnership between Mercy Ships and Operation Smile.
“We don’t have enough Malagasy surgeons who really master cleft lip and palate surgery,” said local paediatric surgeon Professor Romain Raherison, who volunteers with NGOs like Operation Smile.
This training is critical to improving access to cleft surgery in Madagascar for future generations.
A New Chapter Begins
Before his surgery, Joseph dreamed of becoming a politician — a dream he’d given up on because of his condition.
But just one week after his operation, with the stitches removed, something shifted. “I want to become handsome after the surgery,” Joseph said, smiling. “And I want to make friends.”
For Dr. Chong, that moment was powerful. “He’s letting go of years of pain,” he said. “Life won’t be perfect, but now Joseph can move forward — without that burden.”
Help Bring Hope to Others Like Joseph
Joseph’s story is just one example of how your support can make a lasting difference.
By partnering with Mercy Ships, you can help deliver free, life-changing surgeries and support the training of local health workers — creating a ripple effect of hope and healing.
Here’s how you can help:
- Donate to help fund life-changing surgeries and equipment
- Volunteer your skills or time — medical and non-medical roles are available
- Share this story to raise awareness about cleft lip and cleft palate care worldwide
Together, we can bring healing to those who’ve waited too long.
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