2. Agenda About Rotaplast What is a Cleft? The Problem
The Rotaplast Solution
A Rotaplast Mission from Start to Finish
The Rotary Connection
Learn More and Get Involved!

3. Rotaplast International
Rotaplast International is a 25 year-old global, humanitarian non-profit organization founded by the Rotary Club of San Francisco. Rotaplast transforms the lives of children in developing countries by performing free cleft lip and palate reconstructive surgeries. Rotaplast is proud that for every $1 contributed, $6-7 of patient care is delivered.

4. What is a Cleft?
A cleft is an opening or gap of the lip or roof of the mouth which normally comes together during the early weeks of pregnancy.
One in 700 children is born with a cleft lip or palate, or both.

5. Prevalence of Cleft Lips and Palates
Worldwide, every two minutes a child is born with a cleft.
235,000 children with clefts are born each year.
7,500 children with clefts are born each year in the USA.

6. Known Causes of Cleft Lips and Palates
Genetic predisposition
Diet
Lifestyle
Lack of adequate vitamins
Smoking while pregnant
Pollution

7. Life Compromising Affects
Abnormal appearance
Inability to speak correctly
Difficulty swallowing food
Predisposition to upper-respiratory problems
Hearing loss
Dental problems
Social stigma

8. The Rotaplast Solution
We provide free, multidisciplinary care for cleft anomalies and other conditions requiring reconstructive surgery.
We send all-volunteer medical teams and non-medical Rotarian teams into developing countries to deliver world-class care for children, young adults and families in need.
We initiate multi-year sustainable programs so the local community may one day independently carry on the important work of Rotaplast.

9. How Does Education Lead to Sustainability?
We collaborate with local medical professionals and teach post-surgical care.
We educate local physicians and specialists how to perform cleft surgeries.
We search for permanent solutions through genetic research led by world renown geneticists.
Where feasible, we create local cleft clinics to carry on Rotaplast’s work.

10. A Child’s Life is Changed Forever with a Few Hours of Surgery

11. The Rotaplast Mission
Site Selection: A 12 month process of diligence, site preparation and planning.
Funding: Rotary sponsors fundraise to pay for Rotaplast missions. Rotarians are key sponsors and non-medical mission volunteers.
Supplies & Equipment: Mission participants accompany medical supplies and surgical equipment to each mission site.
Logistical Support: Local Rotary Club volunteers support missions through patient recruitment, local travel arrangements, ground transportation, hospitality, visas and customs.

12. The Rotaplast Mission from Start to Finish
A Typical Schedule
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
DEPARTURE
Travel to
Mission site & prepare clinic
Pre-Clinic
Surgery 1
Surgery 2
Surgery 3
Surgery 4
Day Off
Surgery 5
Surgery 6
Surgery 7
Surgery 8
Post-Clinic
RETURN
Pre-Clinic, Surgeries, and Post-Clinic
Pre-Clinic: The first full working day of patient screening & pre-op evaluations to select candidates for surgery.
Surgery: Six to eight days of surgery.
Post-Clinic: Last day on the mission dedicated to following up with patients and ensuring surgical success.
Day Off: Volunteers work hard but enjoy free time and camaraderie outside the hospital. A day trip is planned by local Rotarians that usually includes visits to notable cultural sites.

13. Who Goes On Missions? Medical Volunteers Plastic Surgeons
Anesthesiologists
Operating Room Nurses
Recovery Nurses
Orthodontists
Dentists
Speech Pathologists
Geneticists
Audiologists
Pediatricians

14. Who Goes On Missions? Non-Medical Volunteers Mission Director
Asst. Mission Director
Quartermaster
Medical Recorder
Equipment Sterilizer
Photojournalist
Pre/Post-Op Asst.
Patient Transporter
Translators
Recreation Therapist
Recovery Room Asst.

15. The Rotary Partnership
The Rotary Club of San Francisco founded Rotaplast 25 years ago. We remain indelibly linked in service above self.
Rotary Clubs are major financial sponsors of Rotaplast and make up our volunteer army. Foreign Rotary Clubs host our missions.
Working with Rotarians and local health officals in host countries fosters International goodwill.
Thanks to Clubs like yours, we have performed 19,000 surgeries in 26 countries. Your continued support and partnership allow us to save the smiles and change the lives of children throughout the world.

16. Learn More and Get Involved!
Go to
Follow our blog, which includes daily updates from current missions.
Join us on Facebook to stay in touch.
Never hesitate to contact the Rotaplast office at (415) We look forward to hearing from you!