Shabani is a “happy boy and very active. He likes to play with cars and compete with other children,” shares our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF).
Shabani is a five-year-old from Tanzania, born with a congenital deformity of both feet called bilateral clubfoot. The condition “has forced him to use the lateral aspect of his feet for walking,” AMHF explains. Thus, he is unable to walk properly or wear normal shoes. “Although it takes him a long time to walk to school, he still likes going,” adds AMHF. While at school, Shabani “enjoys learning his ABCs, counting numbers and singing.”
With $1,160 in funding Shabani will receive comprehensive treatment for bilateral clubfoot, including surgery and casting to realign his foot and ankle joint. The surgery will release the overly tight tendons in his feet, while casting will ensure everything heals properly. Since these casts cannot be cared for in his village, Shabani will spend several months in a rehabilitation center receiving physical therapy and regular cast changes.
If not treated, Shabani will develop wounds from walking improperly. He would also be at risk of developing osteoarthritis.
“I would like to be able to walk like my brother so that I can walk fast and strongly compete with other pupils when playing,” shares an excited Shabani.