In a renewed effort to improve child healthcare across the state, the Kwara State Government has reiterated its commitment to promoting early referral and free treatment of clubfoot in children across its 16 Local Government Areas.
In a statement signed by Malam Yakub Kamaldeen Aliagan, Head, Corporate Affairs, KWASUTH stated that, the assurance was given by the Chief Medical Director of the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (KWASUTH), Dr. AbdulKadir Bola Ahmed, during a sensitization programme held at the hospital’s seminar hall in Ilorin.
The event, organized in collaboration with Positive Care and Development Foundation and Miracle Feet, aimed to raise public awareness about clubfoot—a congenital deformity where a baby’s foot is twisted out of shape or position. Dr. Ahmed emphasized that early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve recovery outcomes.
He praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his administration’s consistent investment in the healthcare sector, which he said has brought quality health services closer to the people. Dr. Ahmed also assured continued government support for the free clubfoot treatment initiative.
In his welcome address, Dr. Esse Nwakanma, CEO of Positive Care & Development Foundation, lauded the Governor for providing an enabling environment for health programmes to thrive. He stressed that early referral is key to successful treatment and called for intensified community outreach and education.
Representing the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Health Care, Prof. Nusirat Elelu, Dr. Nurudeen Sulaiman Adana highlighted the programme’s role in supporting child wellbeing and disability prevention. He reaffirmed the government’s backing for such health interventions.
Orthopaedic expert Dr. James Adeniran delivered a lecture on standard treatment procedures for clubfoot, including manipulation, casting with Plaster of Paris, tenotomy, and bracing up to the age of four or five. He urged parents to seek early care, noting that timely intervention often results in full recovery.
The well-attended event included hospital officials, NGO representatives, KWASUTH staff, and other stakeholders.