MiracleFeet partners with other NGOs for a WHA side event on Congenital Anomalies

May 02, 2024

MiracleFeet’s Global Policy and Advocacy Advisor, Dr. Salimah Walani, will participate in a panel discussion and closing marks for the The World Health Assembly’s Side Event on Congenital Anomalies and Universal Health: Leaving No One Behind on May 27, 2024.

The event, held in Switzerland, brings together collaborating partner organizations from around the world, including MiracleFeet, to advocate for a universal health care agenda inclusive of investments, policies and programs for congenital anomalies prevention and care. Too often, the needs of children born with congenital anomalies like clubfoot who require specialty healthcare aren’t considered in the design of essential benefits for universal health care programs. Although several countries have taken bold steps to prioritize and invest in the provision of specialized care to address this gap, many more need to step up to the plate to ensure true universal health care and coverage for all. 

Through presentations and moderated discussions, speakers at the side event will share key lessons learned and explore ways to integrate the screening and management of congenital conditions into national and sub-national policies as a critical contribution to addressing the SDG 3 targets. Speakers will also discuss access to essential medicines, expanding financial protection for surgical and medical treatment, and including congenital anomalies in Maternal, Newborn and Child Health and Noncommunicable Diseases strategies. Apart from MiracleFeet, other collaborating organizations present will be Children’s HeartLink, Global Alliance for Rheumatic and Congenital Hearts, Operation Smile, the International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, Jhpiego and the Global Alliance for Surgical, Obstetric, Trauma, and Anaesthesia Care.