“Once my foot is straight, I will go to school and study hard to become a doctor,” says Joseph.
Meet Joseph, an energetic 13-year-old boy from Tanzania. Joseph is one of five and is the fourth born child in his family.
“Joseph refused to go to school because other children laugh at him whenever they see him walk abnormally,” our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF) explains. “He recently agreed to home schooling so he is now working hard to learn how to read and write.”
Joseph has unilateral clubfoot. AMHF explains, “Joseph cannot walk properly because he is using the lateral aspect of his right foot for walking. He can’t wear shoes because his right foot doesn’t fit any regular shoe. If not treated, Joseph’s gait will continue to be affected and he will also be at a risk of developing early osteoarthritis.”
“Joseph’s parents are small-scale farmers. They rely on growing maize, beans, potatoes and sunflower. What they earn from farming is not enough to cover their daily expenses as well as the treatment, which Joseph badly needs,” AMHF continues.
For $1,160, Joseph will be able to walk properly, without the fear of being teased. The cost of treatment covers everything from Joseph’s surgery and hospital stay, to his painkillers and physiotherapy.
Let’s help give Joseph access to the healthcare he needs, and help him return to school.