Impact of WHO's Surgical Safety Checklist-Based Program on Cleft-lip and Palate Repair Outcomes in LMICs-The CLEAN CLEFT Program.

Background: "Clean Cleft" (CC) is an adaptation of the Lifebox Clean Cut program, designed to reduce surgical site infections (SSIs) in cleft lip and palate repairs. It focuses on 6 key processes: hand and site decontamination, surgical linen integrity, instrument sterility, timely antibiotic use, gauze counting, and WHO Surgical Safety Checklist compliance. The study explores CC's effectiveness in reducing infections, other complications, and enhancing early recovery.