Celebrating Milestones: Transforming Lives Through Clubfoot Treatment
At the Anushkaa Foundation for Eliminating
Clubfoot (AFEC), every step forward is a step toward a brighter future for
children born with clubfoot. On October 24, 2024, we gathered in Lucknow at the
prestigious Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences to mark a
significant milestone: the “Celebration of Success” event. This special
occasion honored the remarkable journey of children who have successfully
completed their five-year clubfoot treatment program, a testament to
resilience, expert medical intervention, and unwavering support from key
stakeholders.
A Collective Achievement
This milestone was made possible through
the dedicated partnership between the Anushkaa Foundation, our generous donors,
and the Government of Uttar Pradesh. With over 12,000 children enrolled in the
program across the state and more than 1,000 successfully completing their
treatment, this event was not just a celebration—it was a reaffirmation of our
mission to ensure accessible, high-quality treatment for every child in need.
Distinguished Guests and Stakeholders
The event was graced by esteemed leaders
and healthcare professionals, whose efforts have been instrumental in shaping
this initiative:
Shri Partha Sarthi Sensharma,
Principal Secretary, Health & Family Welfare – Uttar Pradesh
Shri Rajesh Bhushan, Former
Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, GoI & Advisory Board
Member, Anushkaa Foundation
Dr. Narendra Agrawal, Director
General of Family Welfare - Uttar Pradesh
Dr. Manoj Shukul, GM, Rasthriya Bal
Swasthya Karyakram
Shri Pushkin Mehrotra, Senior Vice
President, Kotak Mahindra Bank
Smt Radha Balaram, Deputy Vice
President, Group – CSR, Kotak Mahindra Bank
Dr. C.M. Singh, Director, RML
Institute of Medical Sciences
Shri Suresh Subramanian, Executive
Director, Anushkaa Foundation for Eliminating Clubfoot
From Disability to Ability: Event
Highlights
Lighting of the Lamp: A Symbol of Hope
The ceremony commenced with the traditional
lighting of the lamp, symbolizing “Anushkaa” or “light,” signifying hope and
transformation for children born with clubfoot. The dignitaries participating
in this symbolic act reinforced the commitment to ensuring every child has
access to treatment and mobility.
Felicitation of Key Stakeholders
To honor the dedication of those on the
frontlines of this initiative, certificates of appreciation were presented to:
Frontline Health Workers (ASHAs) –
The first point of contact in identifying and guiding families through the
treatment journey.
RBSK Mobile Health Team Members –
Playing a critical role in early detection and referral.
Master Trainers (Orthopedic Specialists) – Experts in the Ponseti method who have trained doctors and
ensured treatment excellence.
Key Felicitations:
Dr. Afsar Khan & Dr. Shirish
Shrivastav (Master Trainers, Barabanki District Hospital)
Ms. Bismillah Naaz (MO, RBSK, Deva
CHC, Barabanki)
Asha Devi & Pushpa Devi
(ASHAs, Lucknow District)
Dr. Sharib Shamim & Dr.
Prabhat Kumar (Clubfoot Specialists, RML IMS, Lucknow)
Dr. Vandana Talwar (MO, RBSK, CHC
Gosaiganj, Lucknow)
Celebrating the Children
At the heart of this initiative are the
children whose lives have been transformed. Three young beneficiaries,
accompanied by their caregivers, shared their inspiring journeys—stories of
overcoming physical limitations to embrace active, independent lives. These
children were honored with school supplies, symbolizing their bright future
ahead.
A Vision for the Future
Since its inception in 2014, the Anushkaa
Foundation has been steadfast in its commitment to eliminating clubfoot as a
barrier to a child’s future. This event stood as a powerful testament to the
impact of collaborative efforts between community health workers, medical
professionals, donors, and government bodies. With the unwavering support of stakeholders
such as the National Health Mission, RBSK, ASHAs, and healthcare professionals,
we continue to move closer to a future where no child in India is held back by
clubfoot.
Media Coverage
The event and its achievements were prominently covered in Pioneer Samachar Sewa, Lucknow, highlighting the life-changing work being done by the Anushkaa Foundation and its partners.
Join Us in Creating Impact Your support helps ensure that every child born with clubfoot receives the treatment they deserve. Whether through donations, partnerships, or advocacy, you can be a part of this transformative journey.
