The programme will be carried out in 15 provinces from Hanoi to Can Tho to provide free surgery for Vietnamese children suffering from harelips, cleft palates, dental problems and other facial deformities.

More than 300 medical volunteers from 14 countries and territories such as the US, the Philippines, England, Canada, China, Cambodia, and Australia will join the programme.

Speaking at a press conference in Hanoi on November 4, the Operation Smile’s Co-founder and CEO, Bill Magee, said this is the largest programme in its 20 years of operation in Vietnam.

Present on the occasion was the Chinese kung fu’s movie star Jackie Chan, who is the Operation Smile Ambassador.

The movie star promised to do his best to bring about happiness to handicapped children in Vietnam and elsewhere around.