Abbott (NYSE: ABT) is supporting Operation Smile's global initiative to help bring smiles to kids with facial deformities by providing treatment to an estimated 5,000 children in need of surgeries. The initiative, which is part of Operation Smile's 25th anniversary celebration - World Journey of Smiles - takes place this month and consists of 40 medical missions across 25 countries. Abbott has donated 1,700 bottles of its anesthesia product, valued at almost $500,000, for the surgeries. "Abbott has supported Operation Smile for many years, and once again is providing critical support as we work to transform the lives of children through our World Journey of Smiles initiative," said Bill Magee, M.D., Co-founder and CEO of Operation Smile. "We are proud to be their partner in improving the health of children and adults around the world."
Since 1993, Abbott and Abbott Fund have donated more than $3 million in grants and products to support Operation Smile medical missions, helping treat more than 20,000 patients worldwide. In 2005, Abbott Fund expanded its partnership with Operation Smile to help build sustainable health care capacity in developing countries, including strengthening the expertise of pediatricians and anesthesiologists to provide emergency critical care. To date, Abbott Fund and Operation Smile have trained more than 1,600 health workers in nine developing countries.
"Abbott is proud to help Operation Smile accomplish its 25th anniversary goal of bringing smiles and hope to an estimated 5,000 children in 25 countries," said Kathy Pickus, director, Global Citizenship and Policy, Abbott. "Through ongoing medical missions and programs to train health workers, we look forward to continuing our partnership to make an enduring contribution to improving people's lives."
About Operation Smile
Founded in 1982, Operation Smile, headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, is a worldwide children's medical charity whose network of global volunteers are dedicated to helping improve the health and lives of children and young adults. Since its founding, Operation Smile has treated more than 100,000 children born with cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities. In addition to contributing free medical treatment, Operation Smile trains local medical professionals in its 25 partner countries and leaves behind crucial equipment to lay the groundwork for long-term self-sufficiency. For more information, visit www.operationsmile.org.
About Abbott and Abbott Fund
In 2006, Abbott and Abbott Fund provided nearly $300 million in grants and product donations to improve the lives of millions of people worldwide, including supporting medical missions and other global humanitarian efforts in more than 98 countries.
Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs 65,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries. Abbott's news releases and other information are available on the company's Web site at www.abbott.com.
Abbott Fund is a philanthropic foundation established by Abbott in 1951. Abbott Fund's mission is to create healthier global communities by investing in creative ideas that promote science, expand access to health care and strengthen communities worldwide. For more information on Abbott Fund, visit www.abbottfund.org.