The Nigerian government has been urged to incorporate clubfoot assessment into neonatal health checks as a vital strategy to ensure that every child born with the condition is identified early and receives prompt, life-changing treatment.
This appeal was made by the Executive Director of the PLAN Health Advocacy and Development Foundation, Mr. Obatunde Oladapo, during a media briefing held to commemorate the 2025 World Clubfoot Day. In his remarks, he emphasized the urgent need for policy-level inclusion of clubfoot screening in the standard neonatal health assessment package provided in hospitals and primary healthcare centers across the country.
Mr. Oladapo explained that clubfoot is one of the most common congenital deformities, yet many people in Nigeria and other parts of the world remain unaware of the condition and its implications. He noted that the lack of awareness, coupled with myths and misconceptions in communities, often leads to emotional distress for families and delayed treatment for affected children.
“Clubfoot is a birth defect where one or both feet are twisted out of shape or position. It can be mild or severe and is typically present at birth,” he said. “Sadly, due to misinformation and stigma, some parents hide their children or delay seeking help, which worsens the outcome. This needs to change.”
He pointed out that the Ponseti Method, a non-surgical and cost-effective technique for correcting clubfoot, has revolutionized the treatment landscape. It involves a series of gentle manipulations and casting, followed by bracing, and has been shown to achieve a success rate of over 98% when started early—preferably within the first weeks or months of life.
“If a child with clubfoot is brought in early, the Ponseti Method can correct the deformity successfully in almost all cases,” Oladapo noted. “Unlike traditional surgical interventions, which are often invasive and may lead to complications later in life, the Ponseti Method is simple, safe, and effective. This is encouraging news for mothers, fathers, and caregivers across Nigeria.”
The PLAN Foundation, in collaboration with MiracleFeet, a global nonprofit working to eliminate clubfoot disability, currently offers free corrective services for children at two locations in Oyo State: BOWEN University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso and the Ring Road State Specialist Hospital in Ibadan.
So far, according to Mr. Oladapo, over 60 children have benefited from the free treatment program. He stated that the Foundation aims to expand its reach in the next fiscal year, with plans already in motion to include additional facilities in both Oyo and Ogun States to improve access for more families.
Beyond physical deformity, Oladapo highlighted the psychosocial burden borne by children living with untreated clubfoot. “Children with clubfoot often face stigma and social isolation. They may be teased or excluded by peers, leading to poor self-esteem, reluctance to attend school, and missed educational opportunities,” he said. “This cycle of exclusion can be prevented simply by identifying and treating the condition early.”
He stressed that the cost of identifying and treating clubfoot, particularly in infancy, is relatively low compared to the long-term consequences of neglect. “It is not expensive to detect clubfoot. When a child is born, health workers can simply examine the feet. If any signs of clubfoot are present, referral for further evaluation and treatment should be made immediately,” he advised.
“Considering the ease of detection and the high success rate of early intervention, clubfoot screening should be part of Nigeria’s neonatal care checklist,” he added. “Every child deserves the opportunity to walk, run, play, and reach their full potential without avoidable physical limitations.”
According to available statistics, approximately one in every 1,000 babies worldwide is born with clubfoot, meaning that tens of thousands of children are affected annually. Contrary to some beliefs, clubfoot is not caused by supernatural factors or parental wrongdoing; it is a congenital condition that can be fully corrected if addressed promptly.
“Clubfoot is a global phenomenon. It is not limited to any one region or race,” Oladapo reiterated. “The solution lies in increasing awareness, promoting early diagnosis, and ensuring access to quality treatment services for all children, regardless of background or financial status.”
He concluded by calling on the Federal Ministry of Health, relevant health institutions, and international development partners to support the inclusion of clubfoot screening in Nigeria’s national neonatal health policy. He also urged civil society organizations and media outlets to step up advocacy and public education campaigns aimed at demystifying the condition.
“Let us ensure that no child is left behind. Early diagnosis and treatment of clubfoot can change lives forever,” he said. “Every child deserves to run freely and play football like their peers. Clubfoot affects mobility, but it is a disability that can be easily treated when we act on time.”
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.
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Source: Sade Oguntola
