In the heart of Oyo State, where access to specialized healthcare for children remains a pressing challenge, a remarkable story of collaboration and hope unfolded. PLAN Health Advocacy and Development Foundation, in partnership with MiracleFeet a global organization dedicated to ensuring every child born with clubfoot receives treatment, embarked on a mission to transform lives through specialized training.
On October 30th and 31st, 2024, the serene Conference Hall of Ragaray Hotel in Ogbomosho became a hub of learning and change. During the two-day training, seven healthcare providers, four healthcare officers, and four healthcare information providers were equipped with the skills to treat clubfoot using the Ponseti method. The participants, drawn from Bowen University Teaching Hospital in Ogbomosho and Ring Road State Specialist Hospital, Ibadan, represented a beacon of hope for children and families grappling with the challenges of clubfoot.
The training was tailored to meet the unique needs of the participants from each hospital, who went through an intensive CAST training focusing on mastering basic casting techniques. Meanwhile, ten participants engaged in the Basic Clubfoot Treatment Provider training, designed to provide a solid foundation in the clinical management of clubfoot. These trainings were meticulously crafted by the Africa Clubfoot Treatment (ACT) Team to blend theoretical knowledge with hands-on skills, ensuring participants could effectively diagnose, treat, and manage cases of clubfoot in children.
Oyo State, with its population of over 8.4 million, has long been underserved in the provision of clubfoot treatment. PLAN Foundation’s ambitious goal of making the Ponseti method accessible to at least 70% of children born with clubfoot in the state gained momentum through this training. The establishment of new clubfoot clinics in Ibadan and Ogbomosho promises free treatment for all children under two years of age, heralding a brighter future for countless families.
The training sessions were dynamic and engaging, employing diverse teaching methods to cater to the participants’ learning styles. Beyond clinical techniques, the training emphasized the importance of effective communication with parents and caregivers, a vital component in ensuring compliance and achieving successful treatment outcomes. Participants completed Pre and Post training assessments, which revealed significant improvements. Knowledge scores rose by an average of 28%, while confidence in key clinical skills increased by 35%.
For many of the participants, the training was more than just a professional development opportunity; it was a transformative experience. Testimonials highlighted their newfound confidence and readiness to address the challenges of managing clubfoot. The initiative is set to have a ripple effect, as these trained clinicians will now provide sustainable, high-quality care and mentorship, ensuring the legacy of the Ponseti method thrives in Oyo State.
This training marks an important step in PLAN Foundation and MiracleFeet‘s shared vision of a world where no child is left behind due to the limitations of untreated clubfoot. With clinics now equipped with skilled providers and a renewed commitment to child safety and global quality standards, the dream of a healthier, more inclusive future is closer than ever.
PLAN Foundation is a member of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care (IAPAC), the World Patients Alliance (WPA), the International AIDS Society (IAS), the Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+), the Stop TB Partnership, the International Alliance of Patients’ Organizations (IAPO), the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (IUATLD), the Global Health Council (GHC), as well as various other relevant regional and global networks, movements, and professional associations aligned with its vision of a Nigeria where the individual, family, and community are adequately empowered to protect themselves against poverty, underdevelopment, and the spread of diseases.
For more details on PLAN Foundation, engage us on our social media accounts on
X (Twitter): @NG_PLAN
Instagram: @PLANFoundationNGO
Facebook: @PLANFoundationng
