A partnership programme between the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board, Johns Hopkins, General Hospital Odan, Lagos, and Lagos Island Maternity Hospital aimed at identifying and treating Congenital Talipes Equinovarus also called clubfoot in newborns was launched in Lagos, as part of the Project First Step initiative from the Bloomberg School of Public Health’s MPH Field Experience Project.
The event, held on Monday, January 5, 2026, brought together traditional birth attendants (TBAs) and traditional bone setters and sought to educate participants on early detection and referral of clubfoot cases.
In his welcome address, Dr Salami Olayinka, Head of Department of Orthopaedics at General Hospital Odan, emphasised the importance of interactive participation, stating that the topic is very important to TBAs and TBS in identifying club foot in children and making referrals.
Mrs. Aisha Adams, who represented the Acting Registrar of the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board, Mr. Akeem Bello, urged participants to be attentive and ask questions so as to greatly benefit from the lecture.
She said the Lagos State government always prioritises health matters, particularly when it comes to mother and child care, emphasising the need for timely referrals and advising against attributing clubfoot to spiritual afflictions, thus saving both mother and child.
Dr Adekule Nurudeen, Head of Orthopaedic Surgery at General Hospital Odan, delivered a lecture on congenital talipes equinovarus, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and referral.
He explained that clubfoot is a congenital deformity affecting 1-2 in 1,000 live births, with a higher incidence in males and often affecting the right foot.
Dr. Nurudeen outlined the treatment stages, including initial diagnosis, treatment, and maintenance, which can last up to 4-5 years with periodic check-ups till skeletal age.
His words, “Early diagnosis and referral to a specialist is key, Unfinished treatment could make the case come back, so we advise participants to educate parents to make sure treatment is done fully.”
He also noted that treatment is fully funded by Johns Hopkins for newborns, meaning parents don’t need to pay for treatment. However, this funding doesn’t cover older children, he noted.
Dr. Obaitan Iretenevesho, one of the conveners of the programme, discussed identifying clubfoot cases and referral pathways.
She said a form was designed for TBAs and TBS to facilitate smooth referrals to treatment centres, including General Hospital, Odan, Federal Medical Centre Ebutte Meta, General Hospital, Gbagada, LASUTH, Alimosho General Hospital, Igando, and National Orthopaedic Hospital Igbobi, where treatment is available free of charge.
Also, part of the conveners, Miss Temisan David, emphasised the importance of the referral form, stating that it would be distributed through the Traditional Medicine Board to TBAs and TBS.
The programme aims to improve early detection and treatment of clubfoot in Lagos, while enhancing the quality of life for affected children and their families.