Clubfoot in Liberia: Rising Above the Impossible
Stigma around clubfoot.
When Vinnah’s son, Charles, was born with bilateral clubfoot, her family and community let them down. Her husband and his family disowned Charles, claiming that no one cared about the baby. Vinnah’s community mocked and insulted her for having a child with clubfoot as a young mother.
Thankfully, Vinnah was able to bring her son to a MiracleFeet-supported FACORC clubfoot clinic. During her visit, Vinnah was so relieved to see the corrected feet of children with clubfoot that she cried. After weeks of casting using the Ponseti Method, Charles’ feet now appear normal. “I am so happy. Shame on the people who were laughing at me. Thank you to MiracleFeet for supporting our children. I am so happy. Thank you people so much,” Vinnah cried.
A new beginning.
Her husband later died during the Ebola epidemic, but Vinnah believes that if he had lived, he would have reconciled with his son and paid for him to go to school. Although, Vinnah still worries about how she will pay to send her son to school, she knows that he’ll be able to walk normally and participate in his community.
Thanks to the Liberia Clubfoot Program (LCP), implemented by FACORC in partnership with MiracleFeet and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, children like Charles and mothers like Vinnah can access treatment. There is hope for people with clubfoot in Liberia.
