The Malawi National Clubfoot Programme (MNCP) was launched in 2007. Its aim is to ensure that all children born in Malawi are treated appropriately using the Ponseti Method (of manipulation casting) and it thereby seeks to eradicate cases of untreated clubfoot within ten years.
The aim of this research was twofold. First, to determine new empirical data on the perspectives of clubfoot and its treatment in Malawi, amongst patients and their guardians. Secondly, to make recommendations to improve and develop the services of the MNCP through the qualitative analysis of patient and guardian’s perspectives of clubfoot. The objective was to find ways in which the perceptions of patients and guardians could be meaningfully integrated into the biomedical framework of the MNCP to make it increasingly relevant and appropriate for the intended beneficiaries, and therefore advance the Programme towards its overall goal.
Idiopathic clubfoot (Congenital Talipes Equinovarus) is a condition in which the child is born with the hindfoot adducted, flexed and inverted, and the forefoot abducted and pronated in relation to the hindfoot. Neglected clubfoot results in significant impairment in body structure and function and may result in activity limitations and participation restrictions. It is one of the most visible deformities seen in sub-Saharan Africa.
There had been no systematic analysis of lay perceptions of clubfoot in Malawi prior to this research. The project therefore makes a significant contribution to our understanding of clubfoot and disability in Malawi and the wider African context.
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