MITSUBISHI MOTORS VIETNAM PARTNERS WITH OPERATION SMILE TO BRING SMILES TO CHILDREN WITH FACIAL DEFORMITIES

From August 26 to 30, 2024, Mitsubishi Motors Vietnam, in collaboration with Operation Smile Vietnam and the Central Dental Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, conducted a free medical screening and surgery program for patients from 32 southern provinces. This program aims to bring a brighter future to patients and their families after the surgeries are completed.

This is the first time Mitsubishi Motors Vietnam has partnered with Operation Smile Vietnam to carry out this meaningful program, helping bring smiles and improve the quality of life for children with facial deformities. After a screening process conducted by the medical team from the Central Dental Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, 74 children were deemed healthy enough to undergo surgery.

2024 marks the 30th anniversary of the Mitsubishi Motors brand in Vietnam. Under the brand’s message “Drive Ahead Together for Everyday Adventure,” Mitsubishi Motors Vietnam successfully organized an internal charity run titled “Every Step Forward Has Meaning,” raising $30,000 to fund this program. In addition to sponsoring the surgeries, Mitsubishi Motors Vietnam staff also participated as volunteers, supporting the families of patients. 120 gift packages were personally handed to the children during their medical exams by volunteers, symbolizing the care and affection of the company’s staff and encouraging the children’s spirits.

Mitsubishi Motors Vietnam is committed to continuing its partnership with charitable organizations and conducting more community support activities in the future, aiming to provide tangible and sustainable value to society.

Information on Cleft Lip and Palate in Vietnam:

Operation Smile is a program that provides free surgeries for underprivileged children born with cleft lips and palates. It has been operated by Operation Smile Vietnam since 1989. Over 35 years in Vietnam, Operation Smile has screened and treated more than 75,000 patients nationwide, bringing smiles to children and their families. This success has been made possible through partnerships with hospitals, medical teams, generous sponsors, and the trust of patients and their families.

According to statistics from Operation Smile Vietnam, the country is among those with the highest rates of children born with cleft lips and palates globally, with an estimated 3,000 newborns affected each year. Currently, around 10,000 children with these conditions remain untreated.

The cost of surgery for a child with a cleft lip or palate in Vietnam is around 10 million VND, which includes the surgery and partial coverage of travel and accommodation expenses during the hospital stay. However, most of these children come from disadvantaged families who cannot afford the surgery, leading many to drop out of school and face a future lacking essential social and work skills.

A surgery that lasts only 45 minutes can provide a child with a new life and hope for a brighter and better future.