The Philippine National Clubfoot Program, spearheaded by the Philippine NGO Council on Population, Health, and Welfare Inc. (PNGOC) in partnership with MiracleFeet, is providing life-changing free treatment for Filipino children born with clubfoot.
With an estimated five to six babies born daily with the condition, the program addresses a significant healthcare gap by ensuring access to transformative care. Since its establishment in 2018, the initiative has treated over 5,000 children, giving them the chance to lead lives free from mobility challenges.
Addressing a Treatable Condition
Clubfoot is a congenital deformity where one or both feet are rotated inward and downward, making walking painful or even impossible without treatment. Left untreated, the condition can lead to lifelong disability.
Through a network of 33 partner clinics and hospitals nationwide, the program provides free treatment and medical support. It also raises awareness about the condition and advocates for policies to improve access to care.
“Awareness remains one of the biggest challenges,” said Maricar “Chi” Laigo Vallido, executive director of PNGOC.
“Many families don’t know that clubfoot is treatable and affordable. Our program bridges this gap by spreading information and ensuring timely treatment.”
Tackling Barriers to Care
While treatment is free, families often face hurdles such as travel costs and a lack of information. To address these, the program runs community initiatives like the Early Detection and Referral Program for Clubfoot and employs social media campaigns to reach more families.
PhilHealth’s limited coverage for clubfoot-related treatments adds another layer of difficulty. The program is advocating for expanded health policies to cover associated expenses and build partnerships to support affected families.
Transforming Lives and Looking Ahead
The program envisions a future where no Filipino child with clubfoot is left untreated. By expanding its reach and advocating for systemic changes, it aims to make treatment accessible to children in all parts of the country, regardless of financial circumstances.
“Every child deserves to walk, run, and play without limitations,” Vallido added.
With continued support from individuals, organizations, and policymakers, the Philippine National Clubfoot Program is on track to make that vision a reality.
For more information, visit the Philippine National Clubfoot Program’s Facebook page at facebook.com/phnationalclubfootprogram.
