CBCHS launches fourth phase of Cameroon Clubfoot Care Programme.

The Secretary General in the Ministry of Public Health, Prof Louis Richard Njock, chaired the ceremony on behalf of Minister Dr Manaouda Malachie.

In attendance were; Executive President of the Cameroon Baptist Convention, CBC, Rev Teke John Ekema; the Director of the CBCHS, Samuel Ngum, among others

The scheme, officials said, is a drive placed under the Department of Neglected Tropical Diseases in the Ministry of Public Health. The CBCHS is the technical partner charged with implementing the project nationwide.

Prof Njock said the government is committed to ensure the project serves the vulnerable. He said statistics show 1,000 live births of kids with clubfoot annually, calls for more action. One in every three of such access, he said lack access to treatment.

In the first three phases of the project, Prof Njock said1500 nurses, midwives and social community workers have been trained. He said clubfoot has been included in the nation’s information system. He said ignorance, cultural believes among others, are still hurdles. 

The current phase of the project, he said, will reinforce capacities. Prof Njock expressed government’s appreciation to funding partners viz; Christian Blind Mission, cbm, and Hope and Healing International.

The Director of CBCHS, Samuel Ngum, said the project is a way of showing Christian love. Through the program, he said those born with the defect are getting live changing treatment.

Ngum thanked other partners for keeping the project alive and sounded confident that its execution will hit new heights. He assured the public that the cost of treatment is affordable given that the State, CBCHS and its partners bore a greater part of the burden.

He asserted that CHCHS has 40 clubfoot clinics in eight regions of the country where the project is being implemented to handle cases. The two administrative units not included in the programme as the South and East Regions

Partners, stakeholders renew commitments

The Executive Director of Hope and Healing International, Peter Kyalo Mwalimu, in a message thanked the government for working with partners to address clubfoot in Cameroon.

He said the project will restore dignity and hope to children born with the defect. Mwalimu described the project as the start of many children walking into a brighter future. Awah Jacques Chrique, Manager of the Programme delivered Mwalimu’s message.

Cameroon Country Director of cbm, Fon Julius, expressed delight that the project is blossoming from small beginnings in 2014. Fon said the cbm is grateful that other partners have embraced the project. He said the goal is to see a time when the treatment of clubfoot will become part of the nation’s healthcare system.

The Inspector of Social Services in the Ministry of Social Affairs, Dingha Korynn Kuttem, praised the CBCHS and its partners for interest in children.  Dingha said expressed hope that the works will change more lives and empower families.

Project forecasts

It was revealed at yesterday’s ceremony that the multi-year project will also involve awareness campaigns. This, it was stated, will be done in through community structures, health facilities and the media to eradicate hurdles to the treatment of the clubfoot.

Other aspects of the programme, experts explained, will include; identification of children born with the deformity and referral from maternity and communities to specialised clinics for treatment. 

Resource persons said, there will also be the provision of treatment materials to clubfoot clinics for quality treatment with focus on the ponseti method and surgery.

Officials further explained that, there will be the training of nurses, midwives, community health workers, medics and physiotherapists on early detection of the defect. 

They also detailed that the project has details on monitoring aspects of child abuse and research on fresh knowledge to boost the management of clubfoot.

Officials said between now and 2030, they are targeting to treat 2180 children suffering from clubfoot. They also previewed that in addition to treatment, beneficiaries will respect prescribed therapeutic guidelines.  

According to experts, the congenital defect that manifest through children born with the foot twisted inwards could result in lifelong consequences it not addressed on time. The first three phases of the project spanned: 2014; 2014-2015; 2016 to 2018 and 20220 to 2023 respectively.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3520 of Friday August 01, 2025