Accra: Ghana joins the world in celebrating Clubfoot Day, highlighting the achievements and ongoing efforts in treating and supporting children born with clubfoot.
According to Ghana News Agency, every three minutes, a child is born with clubfoot globally. Though unpreventable, clubfoot is highly treatable through a series of casts and braces, allowing children to lead normal lives if diagnosed early and given proper care.
Nana Afua Adutwumwaa Adjetey, Country Programme Manager of the Ghana Clubfoot Program, emphasized the importance of the day. Ghana is recognizing the children who have undergone treatment and acknowledging the vital role of caregivers, clinicians, and partners. The celebration also serves as a call to action to reach every child still in need.
In 2024, the Ghana Clubfoot Program, led by the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) and supported by Hope Walks, achieved significant milestones. A total of 346 new children were enrolled, surpassing national targets by 15 percent. Additionally, 547 unique patients received support across partner clinics.
The statement revealed that 252 children received their first brace, achieving a 79 percent first brace rate. The program also recorded 3,334 clinic visits, 2,584 caregiver counseling sessions, and 58 home visits. Over 600 health professionals were trained in Early Detection and Referral (EDR), and media and public engagement efforts were intensified to spread awareness nationwide.
A poignant story shared involved a mother who, overwhelmed by social stigma, considered abandoning her child. However, after hearing other parents’ stories and receiving support, she chose hope over despair.
CHAG and Hope Walks are calling on government agencies, private organizations, media, faith leaders, and individuals to join their mission to “End the Burden of Clubfoot in Ghana.” They emphasize that every child deserves the chance to walk and that with collective support, it is possible to bring smiles, confidence, and bright futures to children born with clubfoot.