Myanmar Transforming Faces

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

  • NWDF is working 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.
  • In 2020, 65 families received care in partnership with NWDF

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 

WHAT OUR PARTNERS ARE SAYING

  • “I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation for the kind concern and devotion to promote the quality of life of these disadvantaged groups of society. I have enjoyed my long partnership with TF!” – Phanomwan Yoodee, Social Worker (NWDF)

CANADIAN SUPPORTERS: Philip Smith Foundation

Interested in supporting our programs in Myanmar? 

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