KLEF2024 Background

Oro facial cleft (or “clefts” in its general form) is a global birth condition impacting 1 in 700 live births. Babies with clefts will continue to be born as there are currently neither definitive causal factor nor preventive measures. However, cleft has one distinct uniqueness in that cleft babies can be returned to normalcy through a well establised cleft protocol.

It is estimated that annually, 800 - 1000 babies are born with a cleft condition in Malaysia. We are fortunate clefts are being managed by specialized disciplines within medical, dental and allied health science at various hospitals throughout the country.

To date, Malaysia however, has not convened a cleft conference to bring together the multidiscipilnary disciplines, the industry and peer support organisation to further enhance services extended to cleft borns. Convening one would help raise awareness, strengthen multidisciplinary collaboration and in doing so, reduce the burden of care on cleft borns and healthcare providers.

While it is an ambitious undertaking, it is made easier as parties involved in realising this historical feat are those who are passionate about clefts. A series of engagements was also held with Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (KKM). With KKM’s support, a team was commissioned, a workplan was drawn up and individuals recruited.

It is on all the above premise that KLEF2024 was conceived. October was chosen to honour the Cleft Awareness Month for Malaysia.

Let’s all join together to realise KLEF2024, Unity in Cleft Care.