NGO Smile Train partners with CIHSRto expand free cleft care in Nagaland

Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft-focused organization, has partnered with the Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR), Dimapur, to support free cleft surgeries and comprehensive cleft care for children with clefts in the state of Nagaland. The partnership aims to make timely cleft treatment accessible to families in remote areas who often struggle with awareness and affordability barriers.
Through this collaboration, Smile Train will empower CIHSR’s medical professionals to expand their Happy Smiles program by providing training, funding, and technical resources to deliver safe and sustainable cleft care locally. The initiative also seeks to raise awareness about cleft as a treatable condition, ensuring that every child born with a cleft, can lead a healthy, confident life.
Speaking on the partnership, Mamta Carroll, senior vice president & regional director, Asia, Smile Train, said, “We are delighted to partner with CIHSR to bring free, high-quality cleft care to children and families in Nagaland. Our goal is to ensure that every child born with a cleft has access to safe and timely treatment close to home. Through this collaboration, we will not only be transforming smiles but also empower local medical professionals and strengthen local healthcare systems for long-term impact.”
Adding to this, Dr. Sedevi Angami, director of CIHSR, said, “We are deeply grateful for this collaboration with Smile Train, which will help us expand access to cleft treatment in Nagaland. Many families struggle to reach specialized care, and this partnership will make quality treatment available closer to home. It’s a meaningful step toward transforming lives, one smile at a time.”
In India, an estimated 35,000 babies are born with a cleft lip and/or palate every year, and hundreds of thousands of children with untreated clefts live in isolation and face difficulties with eating, breathing, hearing, and speaking. The partnership highlights Smile Train’s dedication to strengthening local healthcare systems and collaborating with others to meet the needs of children born with clefts.
For free cleft treatment or related support, families can contact Smile Train toll-free helpline: 1800 103 8301.