The programme, jointly held by Son La General Hospital, the Centre 2 of the Vietnam Relief Association for Handicapped Children, gave surgeries for 100 children with harelip, cleft palate and other in-born disabilities as well as those suffering from after-effects of accidents.

Doctors provided advice on caring and rehabilitation methods at home for families of children whose conditions are not suitable for surgeries. They also presented over 1,000 packs of milk to children joining the programme.

The programme is part of a project to help handicapped children in the five northern mountainous provinces of Son La, Lai Chau, Dien Bien Lang Son and Lao Cai. It was launched in 2006 with funds sourced from the Child Surgery Vietnam.