Programa Sonrisas

History
The “Programa Sonrisas” began in November of 2001 with a harelip surgery campaign for insolvent patients in Campo 9. The observed need was so significant, that the dream to found an assistance program for children with harelip was born. These children surely represent the greatest part of the program’s patients, although children and adults with the aftereffects of burns are also treated.

Objectives
The “Programa Sonrisas” tries to make reconstructive plastic surgery – which is highly sophisticated and complex – affordable for patients with limited economic resources, giving priority nevertheless to children affected by the congenital malformation known as harelip to whom an optimum and multidisciplinary treatment is offered. Surgery is also offered to burn patients and patients sent for reconstructive plastic surgery of the eye from the Programa Visión.

Challenges
The cost of the surgery with general anesthesia, whether for harelip or cleft palate in infants or older children, is approximately 3.000.000 Gs. (three million guaraníes). Currently in Paraguay there are many independent groups that are performing these surgeries with the support of other international centers, which reduces our number of patients and appointments. Due to this and the high costs of transportation, we were forced to reduce the number of trips and expenses. The facilities and equipment at the new clinic will be of great benefit to the “Programa Sonrisas”.

Facing the future
In spite of the difficulties, the “Programa Sonrisas” will continue serving the most unprotected people. We aim to be able to see patients who have the need for these surgeries and who don’t have the resources, looking for the way to arrive at an economic agreement based on the means of each patient. We aim to forge strategic alliances to operate with the backing of competent organizations. We aim to monitor the patients in order to offer efficient and effective care. We aim to build a highly complex facility that meets high standards and is updated with cutting edge technology in order to give the best care to our patients.


Results 2007:
• Appointments: 427.
• Surgeries: 77.
• Nurses: Hired for each procedure.

Results as of April, 2008:
• Harelip Surgery: 4 cases.
• Cleft Palate Surgery: 4 cases.
• Reconstructive Surgery for Skin Lesions and Tumors: 25 cases.
• Surgery for Burn After-Effects: 10 cases.
• Surgery for Club Foot (Pie Equino): 2 cases.

Objectives 2008:
• Exercise a stronger presence in the new center due to open in Asunción.
• Integrate the medical specialties that are involved with the program more smoothly.
• 35 appointments per month.  We would like to reach 420 in 2008.
• Between 125 and 135 surgeries.

Surgery Campaigns to take place in Asunción 2008:
During these campaigns we will specifically treat the following cases:
• Treatment of the after-effects of burns.
• Treatment of skin tumors (skin cancer).
• Other plastic surgeries.

Challenges 2008:
• Improve patient recruitment.
• Invest more time in prevention (Health Centers, schools, etc.).
• To have our own department and medical office in the new Fundación medical center.
• Improve PREVENTION in accidents that involve burns.

Thanks to:
• Fundación Visión.
• CBM (Christoffel Blindenmission).
• The assistance of colleagues from other countries.
• Nurses and nursing assistants.
• Volunteers and adminstrative personnel.

The Paraguay “Programa Sonrisas” also covers needs for Club Foot (pie equino) surgery.