Expanding Clubfoot Care in DRC: A Collaborative Initiative to Treat 250 Infants and Build Sustainable Solutions
Global Clubfoot Initiative (GCI), Hope Walks, and HEAL Africa are coming together to launch a new initiative funded by the Guernsey Overseas Aid Commission. The project aims to expand local access to life-changing clubfoot treatment for 250 infants in two regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
This project addresses a critical need in one of the world’s lowest-income countries and marks a significant step in the global effort to treat clubfoot worldwide. DRC represents one of RunFree2030’s highest priority countries due to its high population and birth-rate, meaning that a significant proportion of global clubfoot cases will occur in the country.
The DRC project will be foundational to the broader RunFree2030 strategy, which aims to provide treatment to 50% of babies born with clubfoot in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC) by 2030. By sharing lessons learned and distributing best practices, the project will contribute to global scale-up activities, advancing access to quality clubfoot care worldwide.
The RunFree2030 DRC project will:
Provide comprehensive treatment for 250 babies: Including casting, bracing, and follow-up care using the Ponseti method, the gold standard for clubfoot treatment.
Establish three new clinics: Two in the Kinshasa region and one in Kasaï-Central Province, creating access to care in underserved, high-need areas.
Train 20 clinicians: Local healthcare providers will be trained in the Ponseti method, building capacity for sustainable, community-based treatment.
Build early detection and referral pathways: Collaborating with local maternity and primary healthcare facilities to identify and refer infants with clubfoot.
Integrate digital monitoring systems: Implementing Hope Walks’ clubfoot digital monitoring and evaluation system to ensure high-quality treatment and track patient outcomes.
Raise community awareness: Educating families and communities about clubfoot as a treatable condition to reduce stigma and support early intervention.
Produce a case study: Sharing insights and lessons learned to inform future initiatives across the GCI network and support the global RunFree2030 strategy.
The project will also embed sustainable practices from the outset, working closely with local government and the Ministry of Health to ensure that these essential services remain available into the future. Through clinical training and awareness campaigns, the RunFree2030 DRC project aims to empower Congolese healthcare providers and communities, promoting self-sufficiency in clubfoot service delivery.
The initiative not only addresses the immediate needs of infants born with clubfoot but also seeks to break down the stigma surrounding this birth defect. By providing timely treatment and working to reduce stigma associated with disability, the project will prevent disability for 250 children, allowing them to walk, play, and run free, and to fully participate in early childhood and educational opportunities.
The RunFree2030 DRC project is a joint effort by GCI, Hope Walks, and HEAL Africa, combining global expertise and in-country implementation skills. GCI and Hope Walks will provide technical guidance and grant management, while HEAL Africa will lead the implementation on the ground, ensuring that roles and responsibilities are clearly defined and aligned.
RunFree2030: www.runfree2030.com
Global Clubfoot Initiative: www.globalclubfoot.com
Hope Walks: www.hopewalks.org
HEAL Africa: www.healafricardc.org