What is Cleft Lip & Palate?

Cleft lip and palate (CLP) is one of the world’s most common birth defects, affecting the upper lip and the hard and soft palate of the mouth.

CLP is a disorder affecting millions of children and adults around the world. It affects a child’s appearance, speech, teeth, eating, hearing and their ability to develop socially.

About 1 in every 700 babies are born with a cleft in North America. In some countries such as India and Peru, CLP is occurs in 1 of every 500 births.

In the developed world, the vast majority of children are treated successfully and lead normal lives. But millions of children and adults in developing countries are suffering with unrepaired clefts. Many are abandoned shortly after birth, or kept hidden away from society. Most find it difficult to attend school, find jobs, or get married.

Access to treatment is non existent or very limited in quality and quantity. Treatment is rarely considered a priority by hard-pressed health systems in many countries.

Cleft lip and palate can be successfully treated by a combination of surgery, dental work, speech therapy, social work and other treatment.