Rotaplast is a non-profit humanitarian organization that provides free multidisciplinary care for cleft lip and palate and other conditions requiring reconstructive surgery. They promote self-sufficiency in the countries where they work by training local physicians, counseling families, and collaborating with health officials on the development of sustainable cleft lip and palate programs.
What is a Rotaplast Mission? Clefts of the lip and palate are among the most common of all birth defects. However, in some areas of the world treatment is not common. Untreated, these children are ridiculed, rejected from society, and often deprived of an education. They are prone to serious upper respiratory problems, hearing loss, speech and dental problems. Rotaplast works locally to educate families and communities and to provide free operations and therapeutic follow-up care for patients.
Multi-disciplinary surgical teams
Medical teams include reconstructive surgeons with special training in cleft care, pediatricians, nurses, pediatric anesthesiologists, dentists, orthodontists, and speech pathologists. Many teams also include geneticists focusing on researching causes of clefts. These highly skilled professionals work closely with local hospital staff and doctors sharing techniques and working side-by-side to augment and increase care and capacity for treatment. Non-medical volunteers, who pay for their own transportation, perform needed tasks such as instrument sterilization, translation, recovery room monitoring, and comforting families. Rotaplast Missions vary in size with teams ranging from 15 to 35 members. A typical mission lasts two weeks.
International partnerships
Rotaplast is an active partner wherever they go. They travel by invitation to each site. They work with hospitals, surgeons, local governments, NGO’s and other groups to bring needed care, medical equipment and supplies. Rotaplast also has a longstanding partnership with Rotary Clubs around the world. Working with these service clubs at mission sites, Rotaplast builds logistical capability to consistently support medical teams annually and to establish self-sufficiency in country.
Volunteers
Rotaplast is an organization built on volunteer spirit. Each year, hundreds of volunteers donate their valuable time and talent to treat over 1,000 children. Opportunities range from joining a Mission Team to serving as an Ambassador.
In Guatemala, Rotaplast will be in Retalhuleu, from May 16-31, 2010. The team will be returning to Guatemala in 2011, from April 3-16. During their trip, the group will post updates and photos on their blog.
To learn more about Rotaplast International, please visit their website. To learn more about the sponsoring Rotary Group from Sarasota, FL, please click here.
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