Where We Work
Where We Work
Myanmar
We are so thankful for our global partners around the world and we know that we couldn’t do what we do without them. As of 2017, Transforming Faces has been working in Myanmar thanks to the partnership with the Northern Women’s Development Foundation (NWDF). We are so excited to be taking our work to more and more countries in which comprehensive care for cleft lip and cleft palate is all but impossible for most. It is our dream, passion, and utmost desire to help everyone that we can, and we won’t stop until there’s isn’t one more child dealing with this devastating condition. If you’re interested in changing the life of a child born with cleft lip or palate, consider donating with a one-time gift, or a monthly commitment.
Fast Facts
COUNTRY PROFILE
- Population: 52.9 million
- Partner: Northern Women’s Development Foundation (NWDF)
- Based in: Tachileik
- Partner since: 2017
PROGRAM FOCUS
- Working to ensure comprehensive cleft care services are available to children and families in the country, and bringing speech therapy closer to patients’ homes through mobile and community-based speech camps
- Collaborating with local health and community centres within the region to share information about cleft lip and palate, and ensure communities know where and how to access treatment
- Ensuring nutritional support is available to high-risk newborns and infants
RECENT SUCCESSES
- In 2017 and early 2018, our Thai partner (NWDF) has worked on developing in-country capacity and treatment options for children from Myanmar
KEY CHALLENGES
- Long travel distances: Many families have to travel for three to four days from rural communities to reach care
- Challenges in accessing care: Due to language barriers, poor road conditions, lack of locally available services and periodic natural disasters
- Shortage of cleft professionals in country: Families continue to rely on Thai professionals for many services
CANADIAN SUPPORTERS: Philip Smith Foundation
Interested in supporting our programs in Myanmar?
Program Updates
Meet Bee
Bee was born with a cleft lip and palate in a small village in Laos. Today, he is thriving – thanks to supporters like YOU!
The Power of a Mother’s Love
Aung is an inspiration. At only 18 years old, this young mother has overcome challenges that would be difficult for many of us to imagine, and is fighting to ensure her son has access to comprehensive cleft care in northern Thailand.
The Importance of Early Care – Chaiyanon’s Story
A child’s cleft care journey starts from birth, and can continue for the first 20 years of their life. Chaiyanon is just beginning his journey, and has the support of our Thai partners every step of the way.