STEPS introduced the Ponseti method for clubfoot treatment to North West Province after a 2014 training. We are so proud of their achievements. Previously, mothers were had to travel for hours with their newborns every week, sleeping overnight in hospital corridors to get their children help. Now excellent treatment is available in their town thanks to our clinic partner at Mahikeng Hospital.
When Lethlongolo was born, the first question that her mother, Tsholofelo, asked was how something like that could happen to her. She felt scared and lost.
She received a referral letter from her local clinic to go and see Dr Bogatshu who works at the Mahikeng Provincial Hospital. She was so relieved that there was help available to her when she was convinced that her child would grow up with a disability, especially as the members of her community told her that there was no treatment available.
That all changed when she met Dr Bogatshu and the staff at the clubfoot clinic. They encouraged her to attend the clinic every week.
Even though she had to travel a long 104km from her home in Biesiesvlei to get there, she diligently attended the weekly clinics, and after receiving 12 plaster casts, she was given the braces.
Lethlongolo has now been wearing her braces for nearly two years and is a beautiful, happy young lady. She walks and runs and enjoys sports.
Her mom says that despite her local community members not encouraging or believing her when she tells them there is treatment available, she still continues to tell everyone she meets about the treatment and its success and is over the moon with the outcome of the treatment.
You can support our parent education and outreach at Mahikeng Hospital: Donate to support a child with clubfoot
