Our History

Operation Smile in Ethiopia was established in October, 2005. The first international medical mission was conducted in December, 2005 at the Black Lion Hospital in Addis Ababa. During the medical mission, a total of 433 patients were screened, of which 184 received free reconstructive surgery. This was a landmark for Operation Smile in Ethiopia.

In December, 2006, Operation Smile conducted its first medical mission outside Addis Ababa in the town of Jimma. This medical mission marked a new partnership between Operation Smile and Jimma University Specialized Hospital in Jimma. Over a ten-day period in Jimma, the international volunteer team provided 177 free medical evaluations, with 116 patients receiving free surgeries.

Operation Smile’s inaugural medical mission at the Hansian Ethiopia Welfare Organization (HEWO) Hospital in Quiha Mekele, Tigray, took place from June 30 to July 8, 2007, in collaboration with the Tigray Health Bureau. The medical mission was compromised of an enthusiastic and hard working team of volunteers from Italy, India, Kenya and the United States. They worked for 10 days to screen more than 50 patients and provided free surgical care to 28 patients.

Operation Smile has conducted several medical education programs in hospitals throughout Ethiopia, including programs in nursing, dentistry, anesthesia, and basic life support training. These medical education programs have benefited more than 300 healthcare professionals.

Since its establishment in Ethiopia, Operation Smile has given medical evaluations to more than 1,300 children and adults. Operation Smile medical volunteers have given life changing surgeries to more than 700 children and adults.

About Us