Smile Train, the world’s largest charity dedicated to cleft-focused initiatives, has made a call for more women to apply for scholarships in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Nairobi.

This appeal was highlighted at the Annual Kenya Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (KSPRAS) Conference, currently being held in Mombasa.

Themed 'Harmony and Diversity: Advancing Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery across Africa,' the conference has gathered top surgeons from the continent to deliberate on how surgical interventions can enhance health systems.

Patrick Mwai, Smile Train's Education and Training Manager for Africa, addressed the disparity in female participation during the event.

"Women and children are among the greatest population in need of plastic surgery, yet there are still very few women plastic surgeons," Mwai stated.

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"Since 2021, Smile Train has collaborated with the University of Nairobi Department of Surgery to offer full scholarships in a bid to bring more qualified surgeons closer to the doorsteps of the patients who need them most. Out of 16 scholars supported by Smile Train in the program, only 3 are women. We continue to urge more women to apply for the program to bridge this gap."

He further highlighted the critical role reconstructive surgery plays in strengthening health systems, especially in areas with limited resources.

“Reconstructive surgery plays a crucial role in building resilient health systems, especially in resource-limited settings. Aesthetic and reconstructive surgery not only restores physical appearance but also improves quality of life, enhances psychological well-being, and promotes social reintegration," he stated.

"While Smile Train’s focus is on quality cleft surgical outcomes, the bigger picture is that our collaboration with the University of Nairobi will reduce the risk of mortality or permanent disability associated with poor surgical care.”

Prof. Ferdinand Nangole, Thematic Head of the Department of Plastic Surgery at the University of Nairobi, praised the conference for its contribution to knowledge exchange in the region.

“As we continue to improve the quality of surgical capacity in Africa, we host the KSPRAS Conference to encourage discourse on how to build resilient surgical ecosystems in our local community. It is our aspiration that through this conference many more surgeons and in particular women will strengthen our surgical network,” Nangole remarked.

Statistics from the Lancet Commission underscore the urgency of addressing global surgical needs, with 5 billion people lacking access to safe, affordable surgical and anaesthesia care.

In response, Smile Train, through its collaboration with the University of Nairobi, has established a scholarship programme that has supported 16 residents since its inception.

Since 2021, the programme has funded two Kenyan scholars and two foreign residents annually, investing Sh20,908,287 (approximately $154,876).

Beyond scholarships, Smile Train has facilitated significant upgrades in surgical facilities, including the Microsurgery Unit, provision of essential equipment, and support for research and training innovations.

This collaboration has enabled more than 100 patients to receive free cleft surgeries in Kenya in 2023, with plans to reach 200 more in the coming year.

As Smile Train marks its 25th anniversary in 2024, the organisation celebrates the transformation of nearly 2 million lives globally.

Since 2002, Smile Train has partnered with over 700 hospitals and 300 medical professionals across 38 Sub-Saharan African countries, providing more than 170,000 free cleft treatments.