SUVA, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Around five in every 1, 000 babies in Fiji have a clubfoot and an estimated 200 babies require treatment annually.
According to a Fijian government news release on Wednesday, that is why physiotherapists and medical officers in the island nation are undergoing a formal Ponseti Clubfoot Course to upgrade their knowledge on providing treatment of abnormal foot for babies.
A team of medical professionals from Australia are currently in Fiji to teach participants on the early management of clubfoot.
Clubfoot deformity is a condition where the foot is bent inwards and this is treated by a serial casting of the foot for about six to eight weeks to correct the deformity which is known as Ponseti Cast Treatment.
Team leader Prof. Peter Cundy said babies born with this deformity need prompt treatment in the first few weeks of life to prevent lifelong disability.
Cundy said Ponseti Cast Treatment has been shown to be better than surgery and is safer, cheaper and better for a lifelong improved outcome for children born with clubfeet.
This allowed people to have their disability reduced and become contributors to the community, he said, adding that it is essential that the method is taught and practiced with precision, skill, and care hence the importance of such courses.
Course facilitator doctor Pauliasi Bouleka revealed that the course were very beneficial to the participants as they get the first-hand knowledge to assist them in the treatment of such cases.
