Source: http://globalclubfoot.org
5000 feet and clinics accessible to all
The Bangladesh Sustainable Clubfoot Programme now has more than 5000 feet under correction as part of its country-wide programme. Walk for Life works with partners such as the Ministry of Health (Government of Bangladesh), Zero clubfoot and others to provide clinics throughout the country that are accessible to the majority of the population. By 2012 their aim is that no family in Bangladesh should have to travel more than 60 Km to get treatment for their child’s clubfoot. Disseminating clinics in this way should make adherence with the treatment regime much easier for families; it has been well documented that in under-resourced nations travel time and costs are one of the main barriers for parents seeking treatment for their children.
This graph shows how the number of children attending clinics for clubfoot children has increased over the lifetime of the programme. The steady increase in numbers reflects increasing awareness about clubfoot, ability to access clinical services and implies a sense of trust in the services provided. The number of feet under Ponseti treatment is now more than 5000!
Bangladesh clubfeet under treatment
MOU with Ministry of Health
An MOU has now been signed with the government of Bangladesh to establish strong working relationships between the Ministry of Health and partners involved in the clubfoot programme and to eliminate clubfoot from the country as a life-long disability. Clubfoot correction through Walk for Life’s programme is now included in the 5-year operational health plan for Bangladesh – a great step forward for the work there.
Ibrahim’s Story
Ibrahim, a 3-year old boy born with clubfoot in a slum of Dhaka is one child who benefitted from the free care offered by Walk for Life:
‘When Ibrahim(now 3 years) was born in Dhaka slum, his parents hoped that their son’s deformed feet would correct itself as he grew older. But then, their second child, Forida(8 months) was also born with clubfoot. This time their father, Firoz( a rickshaw-puller living hand-to-mouth) borrowed money to correct Forida’s feet anticipating the difficulty of marrying off a disabled daughter in future. However, they could not find enough money to buy braces after the initial correction by casting. Without braces being worn there is a 90% chance of relapse.
Ibrahim: a 3 year old boy with clubfoot in a Dhaka slum
A team of Walk For Life was visiting BRAC’s delivery centre at Karail slum in Dhaka and came across these two children with the help of the local birthing attendant Asiya Begum. Both the siblings were referred to Walk For Life’s free clinic at NITOR, Dhaka
Forida was fitted with free braces. Ibrahim is undergoing casting and hopes to run around with corrected feet within 2 months ‘We are so happy to get the free treatment! Walk For Life changed our children’s lives!’ commented Firoz.’
Ibrahim receiving Ponseti treatment in a Walk For Life Clinic
Find out more
To find out more about Walk for Life Bangladesh and the great work they are doing, visit their website: http://www.walkforlife.org.au/, or you can read their latest newsletter here: http://www.walkforlife.org.au/images/report/Newsletter_pdf_october2011.pdf
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