Free corrective surgeries will be provided for 63 children with disabilities in Southern Vietnam through March 13 by the 175 Military Hospital in coordination with the US-based Project Vietnam Foundation, the Quan Doi Nhan Dan (People’s Army) newspaper reported.

Operations will be performed on children with congenital facial deformities, mostly cleft lips and palates, to restore full function and a normal appearance.

The Foundation’s surgeons will also work with hospital specialists to exchange trainings and modern medical advancements.

Established in 1996, the Project Vietnam Foundation is a non-profit humanitarian programme of the American Academy of Paediatrics.

Its ongoing programmes are focused on improving paediatric emergency services and healthcare for newborns, promoting sustainable standards for Infection Control, and developing services for children with special healthcare needs.

The organisation has worked at 24 sites in Vietnam, conducted trainings in 43 provinces, and initiated medical interventions resulting in significant reductions in child mortality and morbidity and improved rural healthcare.-VNA