registered nurse Olivia Haslam with one of the patients.
Image: Supplied.
Clinical coordinator and registered nurse Olivia Haslam's work is driven by a single, unforgettable moment: seeing a child’s disbelief turn into pure joy after life-changing cleft surgery. Haslam, who is based in Darling, is one of the longest-serving volunteers with Operation Smile South Africa (OSSA), an organisation celebrating its 20-year milestone of providing free cleft lip and palate procedures across the region.
“That moment put everything into perspective for me,” Haslam recalls, speaking about a nine-year-old boy in Marrakesh whose reaction to seeing his repaired smile in a mirror has stayed with her since her first programme. “It’s why I keep doing this.” Haslam has been a part of this journey since 2002, participating in hundreds of surgical programmes across Africa. In 2006, she was instrumental in establishing the South African branch, coordinating clinical operations to ensure each mission runs safely and efficiently. She also works at The Cosmetic Surgery Institute in Cape Town alongside her OSSA role.
The organisation's 20th anniversary is especially timely, coinciding with the UN-declared International Volunteer Year, underscoring the vital role volunteers play in driving sustainable development. Since officially opening its doors in 2006, OSSA has enabled more than 6,000 cleft lip and palate surgeries in communities where specialised surgical care is often difficult to access. Professor Anil Madaree, Medical Director of Operation Smile South Africa, highlights the organisation's impact far beyond local communities. “One of our biggest achievements has been opening up avenues for cleft care across Africa,” he said.
“We’ve helped start programmes in several countries and created pathways so that patients can reach centres of care close to home.”OSSA Executive Director Sarah Scarth notes that their approach is about more than just surgery. “What sets our organisation’s model apart is our dual focus on direct patient care and strengthening healthcare systems,” said Scarth.
Operation Smile is one of the world’s largest volunteer-driven medical organisations.
Image: Supplied.
“Each surgical programme serves as a hands-on training platform for local healthcare professionals, helping to build long-term capacity in cleft care.” Supported by over 150 credentialed medical volunteers including specialists in disciplines from cleft surgery and anaesthesia to speech therapy and psychosocial support, the organisation has a powerful collective dedication. “Our volunteers are the heartbeat of the organisation,” Madaree added. “It’s like a big family, with everyone united around helping patients.”
While the milestone is a time for celebration, the need for care remains significant. “The biggest challenge is making sure patients can access care as early as possible,” explained Madaree. “We’ve made incredible progress but there are still thousands of children and adults across sub-Saharan Africa waiting for care.” For Haslam, that ongoing need and the witnessed moments of transformation continue to inspire her commitment after two decades of service. “Together we can bring hope and healing to those who need us most,” she said.