Our History

The first Operation Smile international medical mission to Cambodia was conducted in 2002 at the Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital in Phnom Penh. The medical volunteer team performed free surgeries for 169 Cambodian children.

Since then, Operation Smile has completed six international medical missions in Cambodia, with nearly 1000 Cambodian children receiving life-changing surgery.

In October 2003, Operation Smile signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Royal Government of Cambodia to establish Operation Smile Cambodia. This agreement outlined Operation Smiles intention to treat 1000 Cambodian children within 5 years.

In October 2006, with the assistance of Operation Smile volunteers from China and from Operation Smile headquarters, Operation Smile Cambodia conducted its first medical mission in the city of Siem Reap where 57 children received free surgeries. The second local mission took place in Battambang Province in August 2007.

In November, 2007, Operation Smile Cambodia participated in the global World Journey of Smiles mission during which over 4000 children in 25 countries with cleft lips and/or cleft palates were treated in the same week. In December 2008, Operation Smile Cambodia conducted its first mission in Sihanoukville with the assistance and support of Operation Smile Philippines.

In May, 2009 Operation Smile Cambodia conducted its first mission in Kampong Cham with the assistance and support of Operation Smile Singapore and in August, 2009, Operation Smile Cambodia conducted its first mission in Kampot with the assistance and support of Operation Smile Australia.

About Us