CBM: CEO Dr Rainer Brockhaus satisfied with implementation of Clubfoot project by CBCHS
By NGOMBET Claudia
The Chief Executive Officer of the Christian Blind Mission (CBM), Dr Rainer Brockhaus has expressed his satisfaction in the implementation of the Clubfoot Care Project by the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services (CBCHS).
This was during a recognition and appreciation visit to the Clubfoot Clinic of the Ekoundoum Baptist Hospital on September 12, 2022 in Yaounde.
According to Dr Rainer, it is super important for the CBM to understand what is relevant for its partners, identify what is working well, as well as stay connected to better understand their needs.
With the high level of professionalism witnessed at the center, Dr. Rainer hopes to continue the partnership with the CBC and work towards extending their tentacles towards other partners.
The Director of the CBC Health Services, Professor Tih Pius Muffih on his part said clubfoot treatment in Cameroon is new and acknowledged the government’s approval of the Ponseti technique in clubfoot treatment by the Ministry of Public Health. He equally expressed the need to expand their reach to all the ten regions of Cameroon.
He added that thanks to the continuous support of CBM in the Clubfoot Care Project, they have been able to access and cared for over 2000 clubfoot cases in the country.
What is clubfoot?
Clubfoot also called talipes equinovarus is a birth defect in which the foot is twisted out of shape or position. The affected foot and leg may be smaller than the other. Approximately 50% of cases of clubfoot affect both feet.
Clubfoot in Cameroon
Globally, about 150 to 200 thousand persons are born with the deformity on one foot or both but in Cameroon, about 800 cases are reported yearly.
Clubfoot is one of the most common physical disabilities affecting children in many African countries including Cameroon with so many of them in the North West Region.
Can clubfoot be treated?
Yes! According to the Project Coordinator of the Cameroon Clubfoot Care Project, Mr. Tamon James, Clubfoot can be fully treated if detected early, that is in infancy stage. Treatment may be through the Ponseti technique which includes stretching and casting or the French method of stretching and taping. Sometimes, surgery is required.
