The Noordhoff Craniofacial Foundation (NCF) and the Craniofacial Center of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital jointly organized the Love Makes Whole Medical Mission Team. From March 23 to 28, 2025, a total of 12 medical experts and staff from Taiwan and DCKH—NCF’s international partner in Germany—visited Vietnam to conduct advanced cleft surgery demonstrations and host medical lectures.



Dr. Lo Lun- Jou, head of the Love Makes Whole Medical Mission Team, has led volunteer medical missions to Vietnam since 1999. He noted that Vietnam's medical capabilities have advanced significantly alongside its economic growth, evolving from basic treatment options to more complex and refined procedures. This trip focused on showcasing high-difficulty surgeries.

According to Dr. Lo, the team performed 23 demonstration surgeries during their visit. These included oronasal fistula repairs, Orthognathic Surgery (OGS) and lip-nose revision surgeries. These surgeries are designed to not only restore function but also improve patients' appearance, helping them gain greater confidence in social and professional settings by reducing visible deformities.



One of the patients, Nguyen Minh Duc, now 13 years old, began his treatment journey at just two and a half months old under the care of Dr. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Lan, a NCF Vietnamese seed doctor. He has undergone five surgeries in total, the most recent of which was performed by Dr. Lo.

Dr. Nguyen shared that many patients treated during this mission had previously undergone surgeries at other hospitals but were left with significant complications. These patients were carefully selected to receive corrective procedures by the Taiwanese team.



Since 1998, the NCF has been partnering with Vietnamese medical teams on cleft care initiatives. Over the years, they have trained 21 local seed doctors and conducted 18 medical missions. Dr. Lo stated that the ultimate goal is for all cleft lip and palate patients in Vietnam to have access to high-quality care within their own country.