The Women and Children Health and Empowerment Foundation (WACHEF) marked World Clubfoot Day in Taraba State on Wednesday, renewing calls for early detection and treatment of congenital foot deformities in children.
Speaking to journalists after the event, WACHEF founder Dr. Garba Danjuma explained that while clubfoot is entirely correctable, untreated cases severely limit a child’s mobility, education, and future opportunities.
“This is the first commemoration of its kind in Taraba State in WACHEF’s 25-year history,” Dr. Danjuma said. He stressed that foot abnormalities must be addressed early to avert lifelong disability.
With backing from US-based NGO MiracleFeet, WACHEF now offers free treatment at two designated centres: the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Jalingo and the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Wukari.
Dr. Danjuma urged caregivers to present children with foot challenges between birth and age five. “That is the period with the widest possibility for correction without major surgery,” he noted.
Key partners in the initiative include the Taraba State Ministry of Health, the Taraba State Primary Health Care Development Agency, the Persons Living with Disabilities group, traditional leaders, and community stakeholders.
World Clubfoot Day is observed globally every 3 June to raise awareness and advocate for equitable access to treatment.