A special awareness session for the parents and caregivers of children born with clubfoot—locally known as Mugur Pa—was held on Tuesday, 19 May, at Alabox Specialized Physiotherapy Treatment Center in the town’s Temuhani area, at noon. Organized under the ‘Walk for Life’ project, the ‘Parents Group Meeting’ focused on ensuring the continuity of treatment and overcoming the social stigmas associated with this congenital condition.
Implemented by the non-governmental development organization United Purpose Bangladesh with financial support from MiracleFeet, the event brought together 20 caregivers, including 12 female and 8males, of 10 clubfoot-affected children. The participants openly shared their personal struggles, emotional journeys, and daily challenges. Throughout the session, speakers emphasized the vital role of parental mental resilience, adherence to proper treatment protocols, and the urgent need to shift negative social mindsets.
Sumit Banik, Field Coordinator of United Purpose Bangladesh, who led the session as the chief facilitator, urged parents to stay resilient. He noted that the primary goal of the gathering was to create a safe space for families to share their experiences and coping strategies. By discussing these challenges openly, parents can find collective solutions to treatment barriers while guiding and encouraging newer families who are just beginning their journey. He added that building a supportive community is key to spreading a powerful message against neglect and superstition, ensuring every child gets the chance to live a healthy life.
During the technical segment, Ponseti Practitioner and Physiotherapist Md. Saifuddin Zulfiquer explained the scientific importance of the treatment method. He highlighted that while the Ponseti method is globally recognized and highly effective in correcting clubfoot, the post-plaster phase is critical. He warned that skipping regular follow-ups or failing to use the special corrective shoes (braces) as prescribed could cause the foot to relapse. He requested parents to follow all medical guidelines with utmost care and patience for the sake of their children’s future.
The open discussion turned emotional as mothers and fathers opened up about their unspoken hardships and thanked United Purpose and MiracleFeet for their continued support.Several mothers from low-income households shared how financial constraints, coupled with a lack of empathy from family members and neighbors, often take a heavy toll on their mental peace. They also pointed out the practical difficulties of keeping a restless child in braces for long hours. Despite these harsh realities, the parents expressed a renewed determination to stick to the medical guidelines to secure a better future for their children.
The session wrapped up with a detailed overview of the ongoing support and healthcare services provided by United Purpose. For years, the ‘Walk for Life’ project has been working tirelessly across Bangladesh to eliminate clubfoot by providing affordable modern treatment and raising grassroots awareness.