U.S. Embassy Hosts Operation Smile

Feb 8, 2008

MBABANE – On February 8, Natalie Miller, Regional Director of Operation Smile, Southern Africa, announced an upcoming medical mission to Swaziland.  Operation Smile is an American based non-profit volunteer medical services organization that provides free reconstructive surgery to children around the world with facial deformities.  The Embassy of the United States of America in Mbabane hosted Ms. Miller’s February 4 - 10 visit to Swaziland in preparation for the mission in March. 

In addition to the U.S. Embassy, Operation Smile is collaborating with the Ministry of Health.  The Times of Swaziland has generously agreed to co-sponsor the program.  In attendance at the press briefing were the American Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission, Ms. Sarah Morrison; Ministry of Health Representative Dr. Happiness Mabuza; and Times Sunday Editor Mr. Mbongeni Mbingo.

During her visit Ms. Miller met with Ministry of Health officials and Swaziland Government Medical and Dental Doctors to finalize the dates and locations for the upcoming screenings for cleft lip/palate surgery.  These screenings will determine who may be a candidate for the free surgery and aftercare.  She also met with local media houses and Rotary Clubs to request assistance with raising awareness about this opportunity.  Ms. Miller was thrilled with the enthusiastic response she received from the local newspapers and Swazi community.

The pre-screening will take place at the following hospitals/Dental Department at the times and dates specified:

• Feb 25^th, 8:00 a.m., Hlatikulu Government Hospital, Dental Department
• Feb 25^th, 2:00 p.m., Good Shepherd Government Hospital, Dental Department
• Feb 26^th, 8:00 a.m., Pigs Peak Government Hospital, Dental Department
• Feb 26^th, 2:00 p.m., Mbabane Government Hospital, Dental Department
• Feb 27^th, 8:00 a.m., Mankayane Government Hospital, Dental Department