Skip to content

Content

Home
Disease prevention
Preventing Cleft Lip and Palate in Sub-Saharan Africa

Author's details

  • Dr. Khashau Eleburuike
  • MBBS (Ilorin) MSc. Global Health Karolinska Institute.
  • Resident doctor in family medicine in Northern Sweden.

Reviewer's details

  • Dr Adeyemi, Moshood Folorunsho.
  • BDS, FMCDS
  • Maxillofacial surgeon University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital/University of Ilorin
  • Date Published: 2025-03-19
  • Date Updated: 2025-03-19

Preventing Cleft Lip and Palate in Sub-Saharan Africa

Introduction

Cleft lip and palate are congenital conditions where a baby’s lip or the roof of their mouth does not form properly during pregnancy. These birth defects can lead to challenges with feeding, speech, and hearing, and often require surgery and ongoing care. Cleft lip and palate are influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. In sub-Saharan Africa, the prevalence of cleft lip and palate is relatively high, partly due to limited access to healthcare, prenatal care, and awareness of preventive measures.

Discussion
Prevention

While not all cases of cleft lip and palate can be prevented, certain steps may reduce the risk:

  1. Adequate Nutrition: Malnutrition during pregnancy, especially a deficiency in folic acid, vitamins B6 and B12 can increase the risk of clefting. Ensuring that women of childbearing age have access to a balanced diet and prenatal vitamins containing folic acid is crucial.
  2. Avoiding Harmful Substances: Pregnant women should avoid tobacco, alcohol, and certain medications that can interfere with fetal development. Public health campaigns that educate women on the dangers of these substances are vital in reducing the risk.
  3. Infection Control: Preventing infections, like rubella, which can contribute to the development of cleft lip and palate, is important. Encouraging vaccinations, such as the MMR vaccine, and improving general infection control measures can reduce risks.
  4. Improved Maternal Healthcare: Access to regular prenatal care allows for early detection of complications and counseling on healthy pregnancy practices. Expanding healthcare services and improving access in rural and underserved areas of sub-Saharan Africa is essential for prevention efforts.
Conclusion

Though genetic factors play a role in cleft lip and palate, addressing modifiable risk factors, such as malnutrition and exposure to harmful substances, can help reduce the incidence of these conditions in sub-Saharan Africa. Public health interventions focusing on education, better nutrition, and improved maternal healthcare will be key in prevention efforts. Expanding access to healthcare and raising awareness will greatly benefit future generations.

References
  1. World Health Organization. Oral Health. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/oral-health Accessed Nov. 26 2024
  2. Murray JJ, Nunn JH, Steele JG, editors. The prevention of oral disease. Oxford University Press; 2003 Jun 5.
  3. Cheng LL, Moor SL, Ho CT. Predisposing factors to dental caries in children with cleft lip and palate: a review and strategies for early prevention. The Cleft palate-craniofacial journal. 2007 Jan;44(1):67-72.
  4. Weingärtner, J., Lotz, K., Fanghänel, J., Gedrange, T., Bienengräber, V. and Proff, P., 2007. Induction and prevention of cleft lip, alveolus and palate and neural tube defects with special consideration of B vitamins and the methylation cycle. Journal of orofacial orthopedics= Fortschritte der Kieferorthopadie: Organ/official journal Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Kieferorthopadie, 68(4), pp.266-277.