Cleft Summit 2023: How NGOs can Promote Development of Sustainable Interdisciplinary Cleft Care

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Cleft Care Management
• Non-governmental Organization Strategies

Background:

• The 2nd Cleft Summit convened global leaders to address sustainable, patient-centered, interdisciplinary cleft care.
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a crucial role in delivering cleft care, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine policies and actions for NGOs to achieve sustainable, patient-centered, interdisciplinary cleft care.
• To enhance understanding of NGO responsibilities in providing long-term cleft care.

Main Methods:

• A two-hour discussion involving 28 global leaders in cleft care during the International Comprehensive Cleft Care Workshop.
• Collaborative exploration of strategies for strengthening cleft care delivery.

Main Results:

• Consensus on shifting NGO focus to interdisciplinary, patient-centered care with long-term follow-up.
• Strong encouragement for empowering on-site medical providers through bidirectional education and capacity-building.
• Identification of health system strengthening as a viable pathway for sustainable care and reduced international NGO footprint.

Conclusions:

• Emphasized the need for systemic strengthening of health infrastructure, education, and capacity-building.
• Recommended collaboration between NGOs, local governments, and regional stakeholders for bidirectional knowledge and skills exchange.
• Advocated for NGOs to partner with local entities to ensure sustainable and effective cleft care delivery.