In a concerted effort to break the stigma surrounding clubfoot and inspire hope among families, a vibrant rally and an awareness seminar were held in Cumilla on 10 June, Wednesday. Marking the essence of World Clubfoot Day (observed globally on June 3), the event aimed to educate the public and ensure that children born with “clubfoot” (locally known as mugur pa) receive the timely care they deserve.
The event, hosted at the Orko Care Center in the city’s Housing Estate area, was organized by the NGO United Purpose, with financial support from MiracleFeet and the dedicated assistance of the Orko Care Center.
The program began at 11:00 AM, drawing a spirited crowd of local youth representatives and parents of children affected by clubfoot. The core message of the day was clear and reassuring: Clubfoot is not a curse, and with early intervention, it is completely curable.
Following a rally that wound through the key streets of the city, participants gathered at the Orko Care Center for a special awareness session under the “Walk for Life” project. The session featured insights from health officials, social workers, and community leaders, all emphasizing the need to move past myths and embrace scientific treatment.
Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest, Md. Riazul Haque, Principal of the Regional Population Training Institute (RPTI), Cumilla, lauded the initiative. “The collaborative efforts of organizations like United Purpose and Orko Care Center, alongside government initiatives, mark a significant milestone for public health. It is our collective social responsibility to ensure that every child grows up healthy. If we continue these awareness campaigns at the grassroots level, no child will be left behind due to a lack of treatment.”
Dr. Prasenjit Biswas, Medical Officer (Disease Control) of the Sadar Upazila Health Department, spoke directly to the parents, offering comfort and professional assurance. “As a physician, I want to emphasize that clubfoot is not a life sentence. Medical science has advanced tremendously. Often, children do not reach hospitals in time simply due to a lack of awareness. With timely and correct treatment, these children can grow up just as active and capable as any other child.”
Sumit Banik, Field Coordinator of United Purpose and the event’s lead facilitator, highlighted the social barriers. “Superstition and ignorance are the biggest obstacles in the lives of children with clubfoot. Our goal is to engage the community—from the furthest corners to the center—to shatter these misconceptions. When parents and the youth work hand-in-hand, we can build a truly inclusive society.”
Providing a technical perspective, Md. Touhidul Islam, a Ponseti Practitioner and Physiotherapist at Orko Care Center, explained that major surgeries are often unnecessary. “Many are unaware that clubfoot can be cured safely and completely using the globally recognized ‘Ponseti’ method, right after birth. We see children recover through this process every day at our center. All it requires is for parents to come to us at the right time and stay committed to the treatment plan.”
The event concluded with a renewed sense of relief among the parents, many of whom gained critical knowledge about their children’s condition. Inspired by the day’s discussions, both the parents and the youth representatives pledged to take this message of awareness into their own neighborhoods, fueling hope that “Walk for Life” will leave a lasting, positive impact on the health landscape of the Cumilla region.