About ALA

The Association for Facial Anomalies – ALA was founded in 1997 by parents of children with congenital facial anomalies and medical professionals involved in the comprehensive treatment of the condition.

The core goals of our organization have remained relatively constant, though their priority has shifted over the years.

At the time of ALA’s founding, the main objectives were to ensure access to treatment for children with congenital facial anomalies and to prevent their abandonment in institutions. In the current context, in addition to these aims, the focus has expanded to include achieving the highest possible quality of care, monitoring patient development, and providing psychological support—both for new parents and for children as they grow older.

Statute

History

Standardization document

Vision

Treatment of patients with congenital facial anomalies in Bulgaria should be on par with the treatment received in other EU countries.

The center in Plovdiv should be designated at the national level through the establishment of a specialized referral center.

Nationwide recognition of the treatment model we have developed and state funding.

National coverage of comprehensive treatment should be achieved by expanding the network of non-surgical activities.

Mission

The Facial Anomalies Association works to protect the interests of affected individuals and their families. We inform the public to achieve a proper understanding of the condition, the best possible treatment, and to ensure the opportunity for the full development of patients with congenital facial anomalies. We work towards changes in the regulatory environment to prevent the abandonment of children with facial anomalies.

Through our activities, we aim to be helpful to all stakeholders – patients and their families, medical professionals, and government structures responsible for healthcare in our country.