Children's Rights and Ethical Imperative to Promote Emotional Safety Policies and Practices for Cleft Surgeries in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Surgical techniques for correcting cleft lip and/or cleft palate (CL/P) are highly advanced, and global humanitarian organizations are increasingly expanding access for children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, these children and their families have minimal access to psychosocial care necessary for coping with surgeries and the secondary effects of CL/P, likely compromising health and quality of life outcomes. This article highlights one nongovernmental organization, Operation Smile's psychosocial care advocacy policy and practices, which integrate the principles of child rights, family-centered care, and child health equity principles to prioritize the emotional safety of patients. This model offers a scalable approach to psychosocial care interventions for similar global cleft care programs. Promoting social rights, beneficence, and autonomy through holistic care can improve health and well-being outcomes for children with CL/P in LMICs.