Government, Health Partners Renew Commitment to Early Detection and Integrated Clubfoot Care
Luwero, Uganda | 25 June 2026
Uganda joined the global community in commemorating World Clubfoot Day 2026 with a national event held at Luwero General Hospital, bringing together government officials, healthcare workers, development partners, caregivers, and organizations dedicated to improving the lives of children born with clubfoot.
The commemoration, organized by the Ministry of Health with support from MiracleFeet, Walimu, CoRSU Rehabilitation Hospital, and other partners, highlighted the country’s continued commitment to ensuring that every child born with clubfoot has access to timely, quality, and affordable treatment.
The event was held under the theme:
“Streamlining Clubfoot Treatment through Integrating Congenital Anomalies Care into the Mainstream Healthcare System.”
Early Detection Remains the Key to Successful Treatment
Throughout the commemoration, speakers emphasized that clubfoot is a treatable congenital condition and that children diagnosed and treated early can grow up to walk, run, and live active, independent lives.
Health experts reiterated that clubfoot is a birth defect affecting the position of the feet at birth, and challenged persistent misconceptions that associate the condition with curses, witchcraft, or hereditary beliefs. Families were encouraged to seek medical attention immediately after birth, noting that treatment is most effective when started as early as possible.
With proper treatment using internationally recommended methods, clubfoot correction achieves a success rate of over 90 percent, allowing most children to develop normally without permanent disability.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive Healthcare
The Chief Guest, Hon. Hanifa Kawooya Bangirana, Minister of State for Health (General Duties), commended parents, healthcare professionals, and development partners for their continued efforts in expanding access to clubfoot treatment across Uganda.
She reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening the integration of clubfoot and other congenital anomaly services into Uganda’s Primary Health Care (PHC) system, ensuring that children can receive quality care closer to their communities.
The Minister also called upon fathers and families to actively support children born with disabilities.
“A father should be the first person to accept and love his child. When families provide support from the beginning, children have a greater opportunity to receive treatment and reach their full potential.”
She further acknowledged the contribution of partners including MiracleFeet, Walimu, CoRSU Rehabilitation Hospital, Buganda Kingdom, healthcare workers, and caregivers whose collaboration continues to expand access to treatment and raise awareness nationwide.
A Nationwide Network of Care
The commemoration brought together representatives from clubfoot treatment centres across Uganda, providing an opportunity to share experiences, strengthen collaboration, and reinforce the importance of coordinated referral systems.
Healthcare providers highlighted ongoing efforts to decentralize clubfoot services, making treatment more accessible to families through regional hospitals and specialized clinics.
At CoRSU Rehabilitation Hospital, more than 1,100 children with clubfoot receive treatment each year, reflecting Uganda’s growing capacity to manage the condition and restore mobility for affected children.
Marching Together to End Clubfoot Disability
As part of the day’s activities, participants took part in a public awareness march aimed at increasing community understanding of clubfoot, promoting early identification, and encouraging families to seek treatment without delay.
The march symbolized a collective commitment by government, healthcare providers, partners, caregivers, and communities to eliminate preventable disability caused by untreated clubfoot.
The awareness campaign reinforced the message that:
- Clubfoot is treatable.
- Early diagnosis leads to the best outcomes.
- Children treated early can walk, run, attend school, and participate fully in society.
- Families should seek care from recognized clubfoot treatment centres as soon as a child is born.
Working Together for Every Child
The 2026 World Clubfoot Day commemoration demonstrated the strength of partnerships between government, healthcare institutions, development organizations, and communities in improving outcomes for children born with clubfoot.
By integrating congenital anomaly care into mainstream healthcare services, expanding awareness, and promoting early treatment, Uganda continues to make significant progress toward ensuring that no child is left behind because of a treatable condition.
As stakeholders concluded the commemoration, the shared message remained clear:
Early detection, timely treatment, strong family support, and sustained collaboration are essential to giving every child born with clubfoot the opportunity to walk, run, and achieve their full potential.