ICSF Logs Three Cleft Missions to the Philippines prior to Covid-19

The Philippines, a country with a huge demand for ICSF’s cleft palate services, was the recipient of three missions, January through March in 2020’s first quarter.

Seventy-four children received ICSF’s high quality cleft lip and plate surgery free of charge at the cities of Cadiz, Kabankalan and Dipolog. “Our March mission ended three days before the Philippines government issued a lockdown including international flights from and to the US,” notes Dr. Williams, President and Medical Director of ICSF. Unfortunately ICSF has had to cancel missions to Bolivia (March) and three more to the Philippines (April, May and July) due to the coronavirus pandemic currently sweeping the world. “ICSF is honoring all lockdowns locally and in our host countries although we are in close touch with local officials so that we can start up again with our life-changing services as soon as it is deemed safe to travel and conduct missions. Our August mission to the Hai Phong, Vietnam Children’s Hospital is likely a ‘go’ as far as we can tell from communications with local leaders,” adds Dr. Williams.

Jane, Philippines—Left: Age 1, before surgery. Right: Two years after surgery by ICSF

John, Philippines—Left: Age 1, before surgery. Right: Three years after five-hour surgery by ICSF

Jona, Philippines—Left: Age 1, before surgery. Right: Five years after surgery by ICSF

Ellerie, Philippines—Left: Age 1, before surgery. Right: Age eight, Seven years after surgery by ICSF. The longer surgeries by ICSF create long lasting results