Lombok 70 Project helps kids get craniofacial surgery

Patients with cleft lip and palate problems can face isolation, trauma and difficulty speaking and eating. This condition can be addressed successfully through surgery. However, the cost of surgery can be prohibitive.

With assistance from a collaboration of partner organizations, including the Consulate General in Bali’s Direct Aid Program (DAP), 70 young children from poor families in Lombok will receive essential surgery toward rectifying their craniofacial conditions.

The Consulate General’s contribution of Rp 36.6 million will be channelled through Bali-based Yayasan Senyum, an NGO whose mission is to bring health care to craniofacial patients. The funding from the Australian Consulate General will cover pre-operation costs for the children and their parents. Other major partners in the project include Rotary Nusa Dua, who will fund medical costs, and Yayasan Kita Peduli Lombok.

Surgery will be carried out at the Sanglah Hospital in Bali.

On December 1, Consul General Mr. Bruce Cowled and Vice Consul Ms. Adelaide Worcester welcomed to Bali four of the 70 children who will receive this life-changing surgery through the Lombok 70 Project.