Approximately 808 children are born with clubfoot in Zambia every year

Hope Walks Zambia Programme Manager Loice Chipere has disclosed that approximately 808 children are born with clubfoot in Zambia every year.

Ms Chipere has warned that untreated clubfoot can lead to lifelong disability, social exclusion and economic hardship.

She was speaking during the commemoration of World Clubfoot Day in Lusaka, under the theme “Clubfoot Treatment: A Right and Not a Privilege. See Early, Treat Early, Run Free,”.

Ms. Chipere said the organisation currently reaches about 40 percent of children born with clubfoot annually, translating to approximately 323 children receiving treatment each year.

She therefore emphasised that the “See Early” message calls on families, communities and healthcare workers to identify clubfoot at birth and seek medical attention immediately, while “Treat Early” highlights the effectiveness of the Ponseti Method in correcting the condition and preventing permanent disability.

“With early diagnosis and proper treatment, these children can go on to lead active and productive lives,” she said.

And UTH Director of Clinical Care, Humphrey Kunda said early intervention is critical in ensuring that children born with clubfoot grow up to live active and productive lives.

Dr Kunda said this year’s theme highlights the need to guarantee access to timely and effective treatment for all children, regardless of their social or economic background.

He noted that clubfoot remains one of the most common congenital musculoskeletal conditions affecting children worldwide, but can be successfully treated when identified early.

“No child should be denied the opportunity to walk, play, learn and participate fully in society because of a treatable condition,” Dr Kunda said.

Dr Kunda reaffirmed UTH’s commitment to providing specialized orthopedic services and strengthening early detection systems to ensure that more children receive quality care.

Speaking at the same event,

Meanwhile, Majory Lusozanga, a parent of a child who successfully underwent clubfoot treatment, thanked the University Teaching Hospital and Hope Walks Zambia for the support in ensuring that children with the condition have an opportunity to live healthy and fulfilling lives.

Ms Lusozanga urged parents to avoid believing myths and misconceptions surrounding clubfoot and instead seek professional medical advice.

She encouraged parents to take their children to health facilities for early diagnosis and treatment, saying timely medical intervention can help children achieve positive outcomes and live normal lives.

World Clubfoot Day is observed annually to raise awareness about clubfoot and promote access to effective treatment for children born with the condition.