Every year on June 3rd, the world observes World Clubfoot Day, a date not just marked on calendars but etched in the hearts of families, healthcare workers, and changemakers dedicated to a future where every child can walk with dignity and freedom. In line with our mission to promote health equity and inclusive care, Deking Charity Foundation, through our media arm Echo 100.7FM Owerri, hosted a powerful awareness campaign under our flagship programme, Health Revolution.
In an enlightening radio session, Dr. Madumere, Senior Registrar in Orthopaedics at the Federal Teaching Hospital Owerri, shared crucial insights about clubfoot, its treatment, and the broader societal impact of stigmatization against those living with the condition.
Understanding Clubfoot: A Common but Curable Condition
Clubfoot, medically known as Congenital Talipes Equinovarus (CTEV), is a congenital deformity in which one or both feet are twisted inward and downward. Globally, this condition affects 1 to 2 in every 1,000 live births amounting to over 200,000 children each year. It is slightly more common in boys and often bilateral in around 50% of cases.
Despite its prevalence, awareness about clubfoot remains limited, especially in rural and underserved communities, leading to delayed diagnosis, lack of treatment, and preventable disability.
Modern Treatment: The Ponseti Method
During the phone-in session, Dr. Madumere highlighted the Ponseti Method as the gold standard for treating clubfoot, a non-surgical, low-cost method with a 95% success rate when started early.
The Ponseti Process Involves:
- Serial Casting: Gentle manipulation of the child’s feet followed by casting to gradually correct deformity over 5–8 weeks.
- Tenotomy (if needed): A minor procedure to release the tight Achilles tendon.
- Bracing: After correction, children wear a foot abduction brace for several months to prevent relapse.
“The earlier, the better,” Dr. Madumere emphasized. “When treated promptly in infancy, children can lead completely normal, active lives.”
Barriers to Care: Stigma and Access
While medical treatment is increasingly accessible, social stigma and misinformation remain potent barriers. Callers during the session voiced fears about rejection, mockery, and even spiritual misconceptions associated with clubfoot in their communities.
But here’s the truth:
- Clubfoot is not a curse. It’s not a punishment. It’s a treatable medical condition.
- Stigma is more disabling than the condition itself.
Dr. Madumere encouraged families to seek early help and directed them to national initiatives and non-profit partners including Deking Charity Foundation that help provide free or low-cost treatment and counseling.
End the Stigma, Promote Inclusion
The programme’s host, popularly known as Mary De Slim Diva and Best-Beauty, closed the session with a powerful call to action:
“Raising awareness and promoting kindness and inclusion are essential steps in ending the stigmatization of individuals with clubfoot. By teaching our children and training ourselves to be kind and compassionate, we create a more supportive and accepting environment for everyone.”
At Deking Charity Foundation, inclusion is not just a word it’s a principle that guides our outreach, our programmes, and our partnerships. We believe that no child should be left behind due to lack of access, misinformation, or prejudice.
How You Can Help
- Report and refer any child with signs of clubfoot for early assessment
- Support our outreach programmes through donations or volunteering
- Speak up against stigma in your home, church, school, and social media
- Educate others about the realities of clubfoot using verified medical resources
Together, We Walk Toward a Brighter Future
As we mark World Clubfoot Day, let’s reaffirm our commitment to early treatment, widespread awareness, and societal inclusion. At Deking Charity Foundation, we envision a world where every step matters, every child counts, and no foot is left behind.
Contact Us: For support, collaboration, or referrals, reach out via our website or tune in to Echo 100.7FM Owerri for upcoming sessions on Health Revolution.
