Each year, approximately 3,000 children in Vietnam are born with cleft lip and palate (a rate of 1 in 700). For these children, in addition to health problems and difficulties in daily life, there is also significant emotional distress due to limited opportunities for social integration. However, for over 30 years, with the joint efforts of hospitals from central to local levels, the Vietnam Children's Fund, and domestic and international charitable organizations, numerous surgical programs have been consistently implemented, bringing smiles and opportunities for integration to millions of Vietnamese children.
Author Tran Cong Dat has documented the surgeries performed by doctors to bring smiles to children through his photo album "Smiles for Children". The album was submitted to the Happy Vietnam Photo and Video Contest, organized by the Ministry of Information and Communications . 
Cleft lip and palate is the most common congenital defect occurring in the face and mouth region. 
"We hope to bring smiles to children with congenital craniofacial deformities, thereby giving them the opportunity to experience the best things in life." 
This treatment is a long process involving multiple procedures such as lip and palate reconstruction surgery, speech therapy, orthodontic treatment, osteopathic correction, and cosmetic surgery in adulthood. 
Community healthcare focuses on providing free surgeries for children with cleft lip, cleft palate, and craniofacial deformities in developing countries. 
However, these children will have normal facial features if they receive treatment according to the comprehensive protocol for children with cleft lip and palate deformities. 
Successful surgery will help these children overcome difficulties in eating and daily activities, and become more confident like their peers.Vietnam.vn
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