Clubfoot (scientifically called Talipes) is where a baby is born with a foot or feet that turns in and under. In clubfoot,one foot or both feet point down and inwards with the sole of the foot facing backwards. It is a common type of birth defect that affects the bones, muscles, tendons and blood vessels in the feet. Clubfoot occurs in babies when the Achilles tendon( the largest tendon at the back of the ankle) is too short. Though it is not painful for babies,it can become painful and make it difficult to walk if it’s not treated . Clubfoot can be treated in two phases, casting and bracing.
Christian Association of Ghana and Hope Walks have collaborated with the Tamale Teaching Hospital to treat children with clubfoot in Ghana for free. It is estimated that over 1,130 children are born with clubfoot every year in Ghana. Since the program began, the Ghana Clubfoot program had enrolled more than 7,700 children in treatment. Hope Walks in collaboration with Christian Hospitals Association of Ghana have partnered with Tamale Teaching Hospital to treat children with clubfoot using the Ponseti method of cast and braces. The cast is worn got the child over a few weeks or months and when the foot is in its correct position the baby is fitted with a brace to prevent the feet from elapsing.
According to the Programs Manager of Hope Walks, Mrs. Nana Afua Adutwumwaa Adjetey, Stigmatization of children with clubfoot should be eradicated as a matter of urgency and parents must know that the treatment of the clubfoot is free at their five centers( 2 in Accra, 1 in Kumasi, 1 in Tamale and 1 in Duayaw- Nkwanta) including the Tamale Teaching Hospital where transportation allowance is given to vulnerable parents. She further explained that untreated clubfoot becomes a disability and a burden to the family and lack of educational opportunity. This means that the impact is not just physical but relational, social and financial.
The Association is urging all parents to seek quick medical attention at the various centers for their children’s clubfoot to be corrected because clubfoot can always be corrected at any stage but it is advisable to seek treatment immediately after birth as soon as it is identified to avoid family burdens, societal stigma and any other ill treatment.
THE LENSE 