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Mulago hospital marks world clubfoot day 2024 with festive march and ceremonies

28 June 2024, 4:29 pm

World clubfoot day 2024: Marching for hope and healing.

By Paul Kabali

On World Clubfoot Day 2024, Mulago Hospital in Kampala was abuzz with activity as it hosted a heartfelt commemoration in its parking lot. The event kicked off with a spirited march accompanied by a brass band, setting a festive tone for the day’s proceedings. The participants included distinguished officials from the Buganda Kingdom, the Ministry of Health, Mulago Hospital, local leaders, disability rights organizations, and enthusiastic students from Makerere University Primary School.

Clubfoot, or Congenital Talipes Equinovarus (CTEV), is a congenital deformity that affects one or both feet, causing them to turn inward and downward. This condition can significantly impair mobility if left untreated. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), clubfoot occurs in approximately 1 in every 1,000 live births globally, making it one of the most common congenital musculoskeletal anomalies.

A group of people who turned up for the clubfoot day

Globally, an estimated 200,000 children are born with clubfoot each year. The condition is more prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, where access to treatment may be limited. Without proper intervention, children with clubfoot may face lifelong disability, social stigma, and limited opportunities for education and employment. However, with timely and effective treatment, most children can achieve normal or near-normal foot function.

Uganda has made significant strides in addressing clubfoot through the efforts of organizations like MiracleFeet and the Ugandan Sustainable Clubfoot Care Project. These initiatives have been instrumental in training healthcare providers, raising awareness, and providing free or low-cost treatment to affected children.

Dr. Charles Olaro, the Director of Curative Services at the Ministry of Health, represented Minister Hanifah Kawoya. In her speech, Minister Kawoya thanked health workers for their dedication to treating clubfoot and praised parents for their unwavering support. She highlighted the government’s commitment to ensuring that all children with clubfoot receive timely and effective treatment.

Dr. Rosemary Byanyima, the Executive Director of Mulago Hospital, reaffirmed the hospital’s capacity to handle all clubfoot cases. She emphasized the presence of specialized staff and advanced facilities, assuring the public that Mulago is equipped to provide comprehensive care for children with clubfoot.

The event featured moving testimonies from parents who shared their journeys of hope and healing. Wasirika Lydia, the mother of Esther, born with clubfoot in 2020, expressed profound gratitude to the doctors who treated her daughter. Rose Dumba, another parent, recounted her initial despair upon seeing her newborn with clubfoot. Thanks to the reassurances and expertise of the doctors, her child underwent successful treatment.

David Muwonge, the Principal Health Officer of the Buganda Kingdom, called for collective efforts to mobilize resources for clubfoot treatment. He stressed the importance of stakeholders working together to ensure that every child with clubfoot receives the necessary care.

The efforts in Uganda reflect a broader global movement towards eradicating the disability caused by untreated clubfoot. The WHO, along with various non-governmental organizations, continues to support countries in implementing effective clubfoot treatment programs. Increased awareness, early diagnosis, and access to the Ponseti method are key to ensuring that all children with clubfoot can lead normal, active lives. With continued dedication and collaboration, the dream of a world where no child suffers from the disability caused by untreated clubfoot is becoming a reality. Events like World Clubfoot Day serve as a powerful reminder of the progress made and the ongoing commitment required to achieve this goal.