Cleft lip and palate (CLP), commonly known as cleft lip, is a congenital anomaly frequently occurring in infants. Research in 2019 indicated that 1 in 700 babies is born with CLP. Based on this estimate, approximately 3,200 new cases of CLP emerge annually worldwide. In Indonesia, the situation shows an incidence of 7,500 new cases of CLP per year, as reported by the Ministry of Health.
The high incidence of CLP in Indonesia poses a significant challenge for the government due to its profound implications for child development. Complications include feeding difficulties, upper respiratory tract infections, and psychological disturbances. Furthermore, these developmental challenges potentially increase the risk of stunting, a national priority issue defined by the government.
The government has undertaken various efforts to accelerate the reduction of stunting, including providing financial coverage for CLP surgeries through the BPJS scheme. However, these efforts have not fully reached all sectors of the population. Collaboration among various stakeholders is necessary to improve access to care for CLP patients not covered by government initiatives.
FKG UGM has undertaken community service activities through free screenings and surgeries for cleft lip and palate (CLP) patients in need. This community service program is part of a sustainable humanitarian mission that has been ongoing for several years through collaboration between the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Program at FKG UGM and various domestic and international partners. On this occasion, the OMS Program collaborated with Radboudumc, Rotary Club Mataram, Rotary Nijmegen Stad en Land, RSUD Patut Patuh Patju, Stichting Sumbing Bibir, and Yayasan Senyum Lestari Indah to successfully conduct free CLP screenings and surgeries for the community in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara.
Approximately 50 patients directly benefited from the activities held on Tuesday (14/11), involving oral surgery personnel and two anesthesia specialists. The FKG UGM medical team consisted of 1 Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery lecturer, drg. Cahya Yustisia Hasan, Sp.BM(K), along with 4 residents. Radboudumc contributed with 4 specialist oral surgeons and anesthesia doctors. During this event, cleft lip surgery, presented through cross-institutional and international collaboration, has reached 500 patients since its inception.
FKG UGM continues to contribute to the nation through community service activities as part of its commitment to uphold the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, including cleft lip surgery programs. Given the significant benefits of the cleft lip surgery program for individuals with CLP, the sustainability of this program is expected to support government efforts to reduce stunting and achieve Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goals 2 and 3: Zero Hunger and Good Health and Well-being.
FKG UGM Public Relations
