title: The status of orofacial cleft care in Ghana.
abstract: Orofacial Clefts (OFC) are common congenital facial anomalies. The study seeks to determine the status of care for OFC patients in Ghana. Currently, in addition to the Ministry of Health, there are six Non-Governmental Organizations, which are dedicated to the provision of logistics for the management of cleft patients. As it is possible there could be OFC endemic areas in Ghana, sensitization of the population of the condition and management of this anomaly should be promoted. Persons of OFCs are faced with known challenges, which result in negative self-image that affect their quality of life. Hence educating the general public, in particular pregnant women who access antenatal care in health facilities may reduce ill effects associated with the anomaly. Genetic studies of the anomaly should also be encouraged to help decrease the incidence.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Newman
authors.affiliation: Reconstructive Plastic Surgery & Burns Unit, Department of Surgery, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ghana, Tel: +233 24 459 9448; Fax: +233 32 202 2307; e-mail: pimagben@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Agbenorku