Improving health care access for all Ghanaians
The Ghana Clubfoot Program
The Ghana Clubfoot Program
Many children in Ghana are born with a foot deformity called clubfoot, and unfortunately, their parents often do not know how to seek help. These children are sometimes viewed as “river babies” or seen as cursed, leading to stigmatization and discrimination. In some cases, mothers have faced divorce simply for giving birth to a child with this condition.
Thanks to the support and partnership with Hope Walks, children born with clubfoot now receive free treatment, with no cost to their families. Since its inception in 2008, this life-changing program has transformed the lives of over 8,600 children. These once-stigmatized and rejected children can now walk, play, and lead normal lives.
Features of a Child with Clubfoot
- Twisted Foot: The foot is turned inward and downward, sometimes appearing almost upside down.
- Smaller Foot and Calf: The affected foot is smaller, and the calf muscle may be underdeveloped.
- Stiffness: Limited movement in the foot and ankle due to rigidity.
- High Arch: The arch of the foot is more pronounced than usual.
- No Pain at Birth: Newborns with clubfoot usually do not feel pain, but untreated cases can lead to mobility issues as the child grows
Clubfoot is a globally recognized condition, with about 1 in every 1,000 births affected by the deformity, totaling approximately 200,000 cases each year worldwide. The good news is that clubfoot is treatable, and through CHAG and Hope Walks partner clinics, treatment is provided free of charge.
The integration of SafeCare into CHAG’s operations guarantees standardized care across various healthcare facilities, from large urban hospitals to small rural clinics. This ensures that every patient receives the same level of high-quality care, regardless of their location.
The hub is an epitome of CHAG’s commitment to embed the culture of quality within all its member institutions. It is a dedicated unit responsible for planning and coordination of all SafeCare activities including conducting quality assessments, quality improvement training and remote and onsite support within the various healthcare facilities across all denominational networks within CHAG.
The Hub is well positioned to provide this support through its partnership with PHARMACCESS an international organization with digital agenda dedicated to connecting people to quality healthcare through innovative ideas and well trained internationally certified SafeCare Assessors.
Well dedicated and highly motivated staff are always poised to provide assistance and technical support to all healthcare on quality related issues.
Improving Patient Safety and Care: CHAG SafeCare’s primary focus is to enhance patient safety by reducing risks and improving clinical outcomes. The program helps ensure healthcare providers deliver effective and patient-centered care at every stage of the patient journey.
Continuous Quality Improvement: SafeCare operates on continuous quality improvement, providing a step-by-step approach to assess current performance and develop a tailored Quality Improvement Plan (QIP). This plan ensures that improvements are sustainable and measurable.
Supporting Healthcare Providers: SafeCare provides tools, resources, and training for healthcare professionals to enhance their clinical, operational, and organizational capabilities. It also strengthens leadership by offering training in governance, operational management, and decision-making.
Encouraging Global Best Practices: By adopting internationally recognized SafeCare standards, CHAG healthcare facilities align their practices with global healthcare benchmarks, improving both patient outcomes and the overall quality of care.
ISQua-Accredited Standards: SafeCare is based on ISQua-accredited standards, ensuring a globally recognized, evidence-based approach to quality improvement for CHAG facilities.
Step-by-Step Quality Improvement: SafeCare offers a structured approach to quality improvement, starting with a comprehensive assessment of a facility’s performance and followed by the development of a tailored Quality Improvement Plan (QIP).
Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage: SafeCare covers all aspects of healthcare delivery, including clinical care, staff training, infrastructure, infection control, and customer service. This holistic approach ensures that every area of healthcare meets the same high standards.
Data-Driven Tools: SafeCare integrates advanced data collection and reporting tools, enabling healthcare facilities to track their progress in real time and make informed decisions to continuously improve care delivery.
CHAG SafeCare has had a significant impact on healthcare facilities in Ghana. The program’s objective assessments help identify strengths and weaknesses, leading to measurable improvements in care quality. It has also contributed to enhanced patient care, improved clinical outcomes, and better operational efficiency. Through capacity-building initiatives, CHAG SafeCare has empowered healthcare providers at all levels, helping to improve infection control practices, reduce medical errors, and enhance medication safety.
The program’s focus on standardizing care ensures consistent, high-quality treatment across all CHAG facilities. Leadership training has also strengthened facility governance, resulting in better decision-making and more effective management teams.