Awareness Meetings for Parents of Children with Clubfoot Held in Cumilla

To assist youngsters with clubfoot in overcoming social and physical obstacles and readjusting to normal life, a special awareness gathering for parents was organized in Cumilla. As part of the “Walk for Life” initiative, the “Parents Group Meetings” were held on Monday, February 23, in the afternoon in the Orko Care Center conference room.

The workshop was led by Sumit Banik, United Purpose’s Field Coordinator, and was carried out by the non-governmental development group United Purpose with funding from MiracleFeet, USA. Technical assistance was given by Orko Care Center physiotherapist and Ponseti practitioner Md. Touhidul Islam.

A total of 23 parents (17 mothers and 6 fathers) of 12 children with clubfoot participated in the meeting. The session included an open discussion on the challenges of ensuring regular treatment, such as transportation issues, financial constraints, and negative social stigma. Despite these hurdles, parents expressed their commitment to continuing treatment and breaking free from the shackles of superstition.

During the session, facilitator Sumit Banik told the parents, “Clubfoot is not a curse. If treatment begins at the right time using the Ponseti method, these children can fully recover and walk or work like anyone else. However, patience, regular follow-ups, and the consistent use of bracing (special shoes) are essential.”

The parents were given a straightforward explanation of each step of the Ponseti approach. Strong emphasis was placed on the considerable danger of the foot relapsing, or going back, if treatment is discontinued in the middle. To dispel misunderstandings and misconceptions about the disease, a Q&A and experience-sharing session was also conducted.

Parents who attended reported that the conference increased their confidence in their children’s rehabilitation and gave them fresh knowledge. But they also brought attention to the heartbreaking fact that mothers of kids with clubfoot continue to be the targets of blame and societal ridicule. They demanded that social attitudes change for the better.

The meeting concluded with an overview of the ongoing support provided by United Purpose to ensure a bright future for these children. Notably, the ‘Walk for Life’ project has been working in Bangladesh for a long time to raise awareness and provide modern, affordable treatment for clubfoot.