Child Healthcare Delivery: KWSG Committed to Early Referral of Clubfoot Treatment

In a bid to further enhance child healthcare delivery with free treatment of clubfoot across the sixteen Local Government Areas of the state, Kwara State Government has again reiterated its commitment to encouraging early referral for the treatment of clubfoot, among the children.

The Chief Medical Director, Kwara State University Teaching Hospital, Dr AbdulKadir Bola Ahmed disclosed this in Ilorin during the week, at a sensitization programme aimed at increasing awareness of the public held at the seminar hall of the KWASUTH.

At the awareness programme, which was organised by the Kwara State Government in collaboration with Positive Care and Development Foundation and Miracle Feet Organizations, the CMD disclosed that, clubfoot is a deformity from birth, where a baby’s foot is twisted out of shape or position and this can be corrected with the early intervention and treatment of victims.

He therefore appreciated the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for his various laudable projects implemented across the three Senatorial Districts of the state, most especially, the health sector, which has brought sound and quality healthcare delivery to the door steps of Kwarans.

Dr Bola also assured the organisers of the present administration’s unflinching supports for the programme and its readiness to ensure that children benefits from the free clubfoot treatment programme.

Earlier, why delivering his welcome address, the Chief Executive Officer of the Positive Care & Development Foundation, Dr. Esse Nwakanma commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for creating an enabling environment for the health sector to thrive in the state.

Dr Nwakanma said the programme is an avenue for stakeholders to promote clubfoot awareness and also improve early referral for the treatment of the ailment in children, across the state.

He emphasized further that the early referral plays a key role in successful treatment outcomes and encouraged increased community outreach and education.

In his remarks,  the Executive Secretary, Kwara State Primary Health Care, Prof. Nusirat Elelu, who was represented by Dr. Nurudeen Sulaiman Adana, informed the gathering that, the programme was designed to support the overall wellbeing of children in the state, therefore reaffirmed government’s commitments to supporting such initiatives, that promotes child health and disability prevention. 

While delivering his lecture, Dr. James Adeniran, a leading orthopaedic expert, outlined the standard treatment approach for clubfoot such as; manipulation and casting using Plaster of Paris (POP), followed by a minor surgical procedure known as tenotomy, and bracing, until the child is about four to five years old. 

Dr Adeniran therefore implored Kwarans to come out emass in order to benefit from the free medical treatment of children with clubfoot, adding that, early care leads to full recovery in most cases.

The programme was well attended by the Hospital Secretary, Mr Aliyu Yusuf, State Mobiliser for Positive Care and Development Foundation, Mrs Oshaju Clift and Dr. Akor Clement. 

Others are; KWASUTH staff, critical stakeholders and members of None Governmental Organisations.

Yakub Aliagan 

Head, Corporate Affairs, 

KWASUTH, Ilorin.

08065454963