Moroccan Humanitarian's Two-Decade Mission Brings Free Cleft Surgeries to Thousands
For thousands of children born with cleft lip and palate conditions across North Africa, access to specialized surgical treatment remains a critical challenge. Many families in underserved regions cannot afford the life-changing procedures that could transform their children's futures. However, through the dedicated efforts of Moroccan humanitarian Fouzia Jbara Mahmoudi, this reality is gradually changing as she leads initiatives providing free medical care through the global charity Operation Smile.
Who Is Fouzia Jbara Mahmoudi?
Fouzia Jbara Mahmoudi is a Casablanca-based humanitarian who serves as co-founder and vice president of Operation Smile Morocco. Additionally, she holds the position of regional senior vice president for the Middle East and North Africa at Operation Smile. Her remarkable contributions gained significant recognition in February 2026 when she was honored as Dubai's top Arab Hope Maker, receiving a Dh1 million prize for her humanitarian work helping children with cleft conditions access free treatment.
Through her leadership role, Mahmoudi oversees comprehensive programs across the Middle East and North Africa region, collaborating with international teams to develop strategic projects, manage budgets, and organize fundraising initiatives that expand surgical care accessibility.
The Operation Smile Foundation
Operation Smile stands as one of the world's largest volunteer-based medical charities dedicated to providing free surgeries for children born with cleft lip and cleft palate conditions. Founded in 1982 by plastic and craniofacial surgeon Dr. Bill Magee and his wife Kathy Magee, a nurse and clinical social worker, the organization has grown into a global healthcare movement.
The charity currently operates 31 specialized care centers across 16 countries and conducts regular medical programs in 32 nations worldwide. Through these initiatives, Operation Smile brings together volunteer surgeons and medical teams to deliver transformative surgical care and comprehensive long-term treatment for affected children.
Mahmoudi's Humanitarian Journey
Mahmoudi's involvement with Operation Smile began in 1999 when she volunteered during a medical mission in Morocco. At that time, she maintained a successful career as vice president at Citibank, a position she held from 1983 to 2007. Inspired by witnessing volunteer surgeons transform the lives of children with cleft conditions, she played a pivotal role in establishing Operation Smile Morocco that same year.
What originated as a volunteer initiative rapidly evolved into a national healthcare program dedicated to providing free medical treatment for children with cleft lip and palate. Over the years, Mahmoudi cultivated a robust network of volunteers and healthcare professionals throughout Morocco. Today, the organization benefits from the support of more than 650 volunteers nationwide, significantly expanding surgical services and strengthening healthcare capacity in underserved communities.
Expanding Access to Surgical Care
Under Mahmoudi's visionary leadership, Operation Smile Morocco has developed into a crucial healthcare initiative within the region. The organization has successfully performed more than 19,000 free reconstructive surgeries for children and young adults born with cleft conditions. Beyond surgical interventions, the program has provided essential oral and dental health services to over 120,000 individuals.
Across the broader Middle East and Africa region, Operation Smile has facilitated comprehensive cleft treatment for more than 204,000 patients since its inception, including surgical procedures, oral healthcare, and ongoing medical support.
Medical Infrastructure and Outreach
To enhance healthcare accessibility, Operation Smile Morocco currently operates three specialized medical centers located in Casablanca, El Jadida, and Oujda. A fourth center in Marrakech is nearing completion, promising to further strengthen surgical services throughout the country.
The organization also conducts mobile medical missions across Morocco, deploying surgical teams to communities lacking specialized medical facilities. These intensive missions typically span five days, during which medical professionals screen between 100 to 150 patients and perform approximately 90 life-changing surgeries.
To date, Operation Smile Morocco has executed 164 medical missions across 30 cities throughout the nation, bringing essential healthcare directly to those in need.
Understanding Cleft Conditions
A cleft lip represents a congenital birth defect occurring when tissues in the upper lip fail to fuse properly during early pregnancy. This results in an opening or gap in the lip that may appear on one or both sides of the mouth. The condition ranges from a minor notch to a significant separation extending toward the nose. Children born with cleft lip often experience feeding difficulties and typically require medical attention soon after birth.
A cleft palate develops when the roof of the mouth does not fully close during fetal development, creating an opening between the mouth and nasal cavity. This condition can significantly impact a child's eating, speaking, and breathing capabilities, potentially leading to ear infections or hearing problems if left untreated.
While these conditions present substantial challenges during early childhood, they are treatable through surgery and specialized medical care. Many children require multiple forms of treatment over time, including reconstructive surgery, dental care, speech therapy, and long-term specialist follow-up. With appropriate medical intervention, most children born with cleft conditions can lead healthy, active lives.
A Lasting Humanitarian Legacy
More than two decades after her initial volunteer work with Operation Smile, Fouzia Jbara Mahmoudi continues to spearhead efforts delivering transformative medical care to children in need. Her enduring commitment exemplifies the profound impact of humanitarian service, demonstrating how determination, collaboration, and compassion can significantly expand healthcare access for vulnerable communities throughout Morocco and the wider region.
