Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH)

Smile Train Cleft Leadership Center
Kumasi, Ghana

kath child and parent
Kath medical worker

At a Glance

  • This Smile Train Cleft Leadership Center represents a joint commitment by Smile Train, the Government of Ghana, the Ghana Cleft Foundation, and KATH
  • Comprehensive cleft care programs at KATH include:
    • Plastic and reconstructive surgery
    • VPD surgery
    • ENT services
    • Child health and family medicine
    • Orthodontics
    • Oral Health
    • Speech services
    • Anesthesia and intensive care
    • Pharmaceutical services

History

KATH became a Teaching Hospital in 1975. With a workforce of 4,000, it has been divided into 15 Directorates focused upon various clinical and non-clinical areas. KATH treats patients with clefts through Smile Train partner Ghana Cleft Foundation, which was born in 2006 from discussions among members of the KATH Cleft Clinic. The Clinic takes care of patients from across Ghana, the majority of whom are from low-resource settings.

In 2005, members of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Cleft Clinic recognized the need for a center focused on the care of underserved patients with clefts throughout Ghana. They also recognized the need for training opportunities for cleft specialists and research to learn more about the prevalence of cleft in Ghana and its impact. To address these needs, the Ghana Cleft Foundation was incorporated in 2006, led by founding volunteer Board members from across diverse fields of cleft care. To date, in partnership with Smile Train, they have brought new smiles to more than 750 patients with clefts. Smile Train supports the Ghana Cleft Foundation with programs including cleft surgery, VPD Surgery, surgical follow-up care, speech, and orthodontics.

“This milestone elevates Africa’s medical professionals in diverse fields of cleft care, boosting their credibility while reassuring our patients of holistic, quality care delivered close to their doorstep.”

Prof. Peter Donkor
1st Vice-President, West African College of Surgeons
Smile Train Global Medical Advisory Board Member and African Medical Advisory Council Member
President, Ghana Cleft Foundation
Director, KATH Cleft/Craniofacial Clinic

“This first-ever Smile Train Cleft Leadership Center in Africa represents our unwavering commitment to providing the highest standards of education and training. We are empowering Africa’s healthcare systems so that underserved communities are treated with dignity and receive the best care possible. Our goal is to make free and safe treatment more accessible and sustainable for future generations.”

Dr. Esther Njoroge-Muriithi
Smile Train Vice-President and Regional Director
Africa

“Cleft care in Africa has come a long way. We appreciate the goodwill of the Ghanaian Government in partnering with Smile Train, the Ghana Cleft Foundation, and the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) to create Africa’s first Smile Train Cleft Leadership Center. We hope that this creates a ripple effect across the continent so that more patients receive safe, quality, and comprehensive care from trained professionals within their communities.”

Mrs. Nkeiruka Obi
Smile Train Program Director
West and Central Africa

Contact

KATH Contact
P.O. BOX 1934 Adum-Kumasi
+233 266 083 585
+233 556 490 029

GCF Contact
A1-B1 Concourse
Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital
Kumasi, Ghana
info@ghanacleftfoundation.org
+233-(0)3220 40819
+233 (0)2752 01020 | (0)2409 76226