Clubfoot

Clubfoot is when the foot turns inward and downward.  The disabling deformity is congenital, which means it is present at birth.  It is often socially isolating.  Since 2004, FOCOS has helped fund clubfoot programs at The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and St. John of God Hospital in Ghana.  The clinic aims to create and maintain a sustainable program through: 

• Public awareness and education of healthcare professionals
• Continuous teaching and training of the Ponseti method
• Accessible treatment centers with physician and surgeon support
• Orthotic support
• Integration with the Ministry of Health and other local, non-governmental organizations
• Optimizing outcomes via data collection and patient follow-up

In April 2007, the two clinics treated 496 patients, who otherwise would have gone untreated.  The clinics also provide public education and training programs. There is still a lot of work to be done as an estimated 1500 infants are born with clubfoot in Ghana every year.