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 2019, our Thai partner (NWDF) worked to expand in-country treatment options for children from Myanmar by partnering with a local dentist and rolling out tele-speech therapy to reach patients closer to home.
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
Celebrating Progress at the Asian Pacific Cleft Congress
This month, Khon Kaen University in Northern Thailand hosted the prestigious Asia Pacific Cleft Congress. The conference was led by friend and partner of Transforming Faces, Dr. Bowornsilp Chowchuen, and attendees included many of TF’s partners in the region.
Thai Surgeons visit SickKids Hospital in Toronto
Two of our wonderful Thai partners visits SickKids Hospital in Toronto for surgical training.
Transforming Lives in Myanmar: Meet Pwint
7-year-old Pwint was born with a cleft in Myanmar. This is her story.