Kanpur, June 3 (IANS). Adani Foundation and Anushka Foundation on Wednesday announced a three-year partnership to provide treatment and aftercare to more than 10,000 children affected by clubfoot through public health systems across five states.
Launched on the occasion of World Clubfoot Day, this initiative will be implemented in Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Himachal Pradesh in collaboration with the National Health Mission (NHM).
The formal launch of this program was done at Manyavar Kanshi Ram Joint Hospital and Trauma Center in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Kanpur is one of the states in India where the highest number of cases of clubfoot are reported.
Adani Foundation Chairperson Dr. Preeti Adani said that if a treatable condition like clubfoot is detected early, no child should be deprived of its treatment.
Dr. Preeti Adani said, “Every child deserves the opportunity to move, learn, play and participate fully in life. Creating opportunities for persons with disabilities has been an integral part of the Adani Foundation’s philosophy, and this partnership reflects this commitment.”
Clubfoot is a congenital condition in which one or both feet are turned inward at birth and it affects approximately one in every 800 newborns.
Although the condition can be cured with the globally recognized Ponseti treatment method, many children in deprived areas still do not receive timely treatment.
This new initiative aims to strengthen early detection, referral systems and access to treatment through public health networks, as well as improve long-term care and rehabilitation support for affected children.
Under the programme, 67 clubfoot clinics located in 61 districts across five states will be provided support to increase access to treatment and strengthen healthcare capacity.
The initiative will also assist in the training and empowerment of 51 health professionals involved in clubfoot care.
Additionally, more than 30,000 frontline health workers will be sensitized to improve early identification and timely referral of children born with the condition.
Deepak Premnarayan, Founder, Anushka Foundation, said this collaboration will help in strengthening systems for early diagnosis and intervention as well as increasing access to quality treatment.
Premnarayan further said, “This partnership with Adani Foundation will help increase access to quality treatment in 61 districts across five states, as well as strengthen systems for early diagnosis and intervention. Together, we can ensure that treatable disease does not hinder mobility and opportunities across the lifespan.”
–IANS
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