By Jenneh Braima
Sierra Leone joined the rest of the world on Tuesday to celebrate World Clubfoot Day at the national rehabilitation centre Aberdeen in Freetown.
The Orthopedic Technology Supervisor, Nathaniel Kargbo said clubfoot was a common deformity that occurs in 1,000 babies worldwide.
He said clubfoot is recognised when one foot or both feet are turned inward and is likely a genetic disorder.
Mariama Mambu of Mobai in Kailahun district, a patient mother, said she never knew there was treatment for her child because "I have been reduced to laughter and shame in my village because of my son's condition but thanks to God and the donors my son now walks normally".
Binde Saffa, the coordinator of the Sierra Leone Clubfoot, said a series of 4-6 plaster casts were applied weekly to gently reshape a patient's feet and legs and the "casts are safe and painless for your baby".
Saffa said "before applying the last plaster casts which is to be worn for three weeks, the Achilles tendon is often cut in an office procedure to complete the correction of the foot" and that "by the time the cast is removed the tendon is regenerated to a proper length. After two months of treatment the foot should be over corrected and the treatment is free".
(C) Politico 05/06/14
