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Charity Facing the World
Occurrence of facial differences It is estimated that 6%, or 7.9 million, annual global births result in serious defects and are of genetic or partially genetic cause. In Vietnam, however, the occurrence of severe facial defects is estimated to be between four and 10 times higher than in other neighbouring countries. This is believed by many to be as a result of exposure to Agent Orange, a chemical which was used in the Vietnam War. Thousands of children suffer from serious health conditions arising from their facial differences, which is why Facing the World has focused its efforts in the country. In addition, statistics suggest that 90-94% of all infants with serious birth defects are born in low-middle income countries (LMICs). The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery has called for global investment in surgical and anaesthetic care in LMICs, without which, it is estimated that between 2015-2030, the countries will have losses in economic productivity of US $12.3 trillion.
Aesthetics Media Supports Facing The World Help us raise funds for children born with facial differences
Help give these children a more positive future by supporting them today.
Community support This year, we’re asking the aesthetics community to join us in supporting Facing the World. This worthy charity raises desperately needed funds to treat children in Vietnam born with facial defects. Not only are these children suffering from psychological trauma associated with their facial deformity, but serious physical concerns too. Throughout the year, we’ll be bringing you key stats and facts on children affected, as well as explaining how you can help support them. The Facing the World charity was suggested to us by nurse prescriber and BACN member Sharon Gilshenan. She has a special affiliation with the Sharon Gilshenan charity after being born with a cleft lip, so understands the noteworthy work it is doing to help children who aren’t as lucky to receive the support she has had in the UK. She said, “Facing the World is such a pertinent charity for the industry we represent. As aesthetic practitioners, we are in the unique position to see and understand the value and importance our faces have on us in society.” Gilshenan continued, “I also have a special affiliation to this charity because if I had been born in Vietnam, I could have been
one of the children in pain and unable to speak properly, eat or drink, or possibly shunned by my community, as I was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate and have had 25 operations. Yet I consider myself lucky as I was born in a society that had the ability to change my outcome and have consequently enjoyed a fulfilled life. I wish that for the children of Vietnam.”
NEXT MONTH: We look at how facial differences impact children living in Vietnam FURTHER READING Katrin Kandel, Vietnam Training Program, Facing the World <https://facingtheworld.net>
To donate to this special charity scan the QR Code or visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ aestheticsmedia
Aesthetics | May 2020
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