This report details the impacts of malnutrition in under-5 children with cleft throughout the world by merging the data collected on patients by Smile Train clinical partners with the estimates and insights on the direct health consequences of malnutrition from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study. It highlights both the enormous burden of malnutrition in those with cleft as well as highlighting opportunities to make a real impact in preventing malnutrition-related deaths in this highly vulnerable population. It underscores the tremendous importance of prevention (through nutrition interventions in pregnancy), identification, nutritional support, and surgical treatment for children with orofacial clefts throughout the world. Such measures are particularly relevant in the current global climate, as the COVID-19 pandemic has led to disruptions of routine vaccination and other health care services for children, while widespread food shortages contribute further stress to families.
