Lip, jaw and palate clefts are the second most common human malformation worldwide with 10 to 15 %. In Europe, one in about 500 newborns is born with such a cleft. In Kyrgyzstan there are about 250-300 children per year. Although this facial malformation is not life-threatening, those affected often suffer from psychological problems due to the disfigurement of their face. Depending on the severity, there are also various functional effects, such as difficulty breathing, problems with food intake, speech problems, ear, nose and throat diseases and dental problems.
Thanks to the surgical methods available today and the interdisciplinary cooperation of oral and maxillofacial surgeons, orthodontists, dentists, speech therapists and psychologists, cleft lips and palates can be treated with optimal aesthetic and functional results so that children can grow up normally. This treatment requires appropriate facilities and trained professionals. Kyrgyzstan is one of the poorest countries in the world and does not have the means to create these conditions on its own. The foundation "Confidence for Children" is therefore committed to improving this situation and promotes the training and further education of its staff as well as the expansion of its facilities. To date, the foundation has established two interdisciplinary treatment centers in the state capital of Bishkek and the city of Osh in the south of the country, where children are not only operated on, but also offered dental corrections and speech therapy. This ensures good social integration for those affected.
We support the work of the foundation by providing initial equipment for surgical instruments, plates and screws. These sets were put together in close cooperation with the local doctors, Dr. med. dent. Marcel Frei and Prof. Dr. Dr. med. Beat Hammer.
"Many patients with cleft lip, jaw and palate have a malposition of the jaw due to a growth disorder of the upper jaw, which usually has to be corrected surgically at the age of 16-18. KLS Martin's support with state-of-the-art osteosynthesis materials makes it possible to perform these operations according to Western standards." - Prof. Dr. Dr. med. Beat Hammer
"The close cooperation between maxillofacial surgeons and orthodontists guarantees optimal results for adolescents with cleft malformations. We exemplify this cooperation as a team to the Kyrgyz doctors." - Dr. med. dent. Marcel Frei
We are very grateful for the commitment and work of the foundation and are happy to be able to contribute a small part to the children's carefree upbringing.
About the foundation "Confidence for Children"
Confidence for Children is a charitable foundation based in Zug. Since 1997, it has been committed to helping children worldwide who are disadvantaged in their chances of survival and development. The children should be given a better chance for the future and be able to lead a self-determined life.
In everything it does, the foundation pursues clearly defined goals: saving lives, curing diseases and alleviating material need. The foundation is mainly financed by donations from Swiss Life Select employees and private donors. The Confidence for Children Foundation uses 100% of its donations to help those affected. The focus is always on quick and unbureaucratic help for children in need.