World Cleft Awareness Day

Raising awareness about cleft lips and palates and honoring the global cleft community.

On July 20, the global cleft community unites for World Cleft Awareness Day — a day to reduce stigma, promote inclusion, and amplify the voices of the millions worldwide who are affected by clefts.

What are Clefts?

A cleft lip or palate occurs when certain body parts and structures do not fuse together during fetal development. Roughly 1 in 700 babies is born with a cleft globally, making it one of the most common birth differences.

A cleft is a serious medical condition. Clefts can cause difficulties eating, breathing, hearing, and speaking, and can lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated.

The Cleft Journey

Surgery is critical to treating a cleft, but it is often only one step on a much longer path of healing, which often involves other forms of comprehensive care such as speech and orthodontic treatment, not to mention follow-up surgeries.

This lifelong, holistic journey touches entire families and communities. Just as every person's cleft is unique, everyone's treatment needs, experiences, and timelines will be different.

About World Cleft Awareness Day

Established by Smile Train in 2025, World Cleft Awareness Day celebrates the global cleft community and spotlights the trials, triumphs, and experiences that make each cleft journey extraordinary.

It is an opportunity to highlight the vital importance of comprehensive medical, emotional, and social support throughout the healing process.

On World Cleft Awareness Day, we honor the strength, resilience, and courage of the cleft community while working to ensure all cleft-affected individuals have access to the life-changing care they deserve.

Join us on July 20, this year and every year, to honor these cleft journeys and the incredible people behind them.

Stay Connected

Learn more about clefts and stay up to date with opportunities to advocate for our community: