Mafeng before her surgery. Approximately one in every 600 infants is born with a cleft lip.

Mafeng with her mother post-surgery.

NIGERIA - For many, the birth of a first-born child is a happy event. But for the parents of Mafeng Emmanuel, there was little to celebrate.

Mafeng was the first-ever child in her village to be born with a cleft lip, a deformity that affects approximately one in every 600 infants worldwide. The birth defect, which results from the lip and/or palate failing to close together during fetal development, can create hearing, speech, and dental problems.

Even worse, it can be emotionally crippling for children who must endure the frequent stares and isolation by members of their family and community.

With little financial means, Mafeng's parents could not afford the corrective surgery. Things changed, however, when a nurse at the hospital informed the parents about OBI's cleft-lip and cleft-palate program that sponsors surgeries for families in need.

On August 14, 2006, Dr. Uba of the Christian Medical Center successfully performed 5-month-old Mafeng's surgery, much to the delight of her parents.

"We thank God for giving you the wisdom to help people with this deformity," said her mother, "and I pray God will continue to increase your wisdom and resources so that you will exceed what you are doing.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Be a part of OBI's ongoing medical relief efforts by making an online contribution to help those suffering from extreme poverty and sickness.

 

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