Nhan Dan Online - Vietnam Military Telecommunication Corporation (Viettel) has committed in partnership with the Operation Smile Vietnam organisation to funding operations for about 100 - 120 children suffering harelips and cleft palates, who are living in the northern rural areas, in July, 2008.

The programme is divided into two phases. Operations in the first phase will be made in the Army Central Hospital 108 from July 7 – 11, in the second phase will be carried out in Vienam - Cuba Friendship Hospital from July 21 – 25.

Deputy General Director of Viettel Tong Viet Trung said: "Many people said that harelips and cleft palates are not common in Vietnam any more. However, there is a pitiful truth is that there are still many children bearing this misfortune, especially in rural areas where their parents can not afford the surgeries. Viettel has realised its responsibility for helping change the children's future. Viettel hopes that there are ever more enterprises taking part in funding this programme".

According to statistics, there are currently about 13,000 patients suffering harelips and cleft palates, and there are more 3,000 child patients annually.

By Truong Son