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Expert warns against alcohol consumption during pregnancy
A pregnant woman
Published By: Paul Dada
By Jethro Ibileke
A cheiloplastic consultant, Dr. Vivian Omo-Aghoja, has blamed unwholesome use of alcohol consumption, inadequate folic acid and certain environmental influences during pregnancy as cause of cleft lip and palate deformities.
Dr. Omo-Aghoja who is the lead Consultant of Smile Train Project, while providing insights into the causes of the disease at a free cleft lip and palate surgery medical outreach in Benin, Edo State.
The one-week long medical outreach is organized by Smile Train International organization, in collaboration with the Edo Specialist Hospital and the office of the First Lady of the State.
The surgeries whick holds at the Edo Specialist Hospital, Benin City, aim to correct deformities in the affected children and bring smiles back to their lives.
Dr. Omo-Aghoja noted that many women unknowingly consume alcohol through herbal preparations taken during pregnancy.
Speaking at the inauguration of the medical outreach, the wife of the State Governor, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, called on residents of the State to take advantage of the ongoing free cleft lip and palate surgeries.
She described ths initiative as “nothing short of miraculous.”
The Edo First Lady noted that the free cleft lip and palate surgeries continue to offer hope and new beginnings to many in Edo State, exemplifying the power of community and compassion in transforming lives.
She said: “We have seen individuals with severe deformities that impact not just their appearance but their entire lives. Such deformities often lead to social isolation, preventing children from attending school or even adults from getting married.
“What we are witnessing here today is the restoration of lives, smiles, hope, and a future for these individuals. It is truly a week of miracles.
“My heartfelt thanks go to Smile Train International for their unwavering support. I urge all those suffering from these deformities to come forward and take advantage of this opportunity.”
Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Health, Dr Stanley Ehiarimwian, highlighted the significance of the event, describing it as a symbol of hope, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to improving the health of the people.
All the beneficiaries of the free surgeries expressed profound gratitude to the organizers of the medical outreach.
