KATE’S STORY

My association with Australian Doctors for Africa began in 2013 with an orthopaedic trip to Toliara, Madagascar. 

I had previously worked in the South Pacific and was passionate about advancement of medical care in developing nations. I think that Dr Graham Forward had planned out my destiny well before I was aware of it as on that trip I fell in love with the place and the people.

In 2014 Graham offered me the opportunity to establish a clinic to treat children born with a clubfoot deformity.  As a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon this was a golden opportunity! Without hesitation I committed to this programme, and with the support, knowledge and skill of physiotherapists Helen Burgan, Nick Buttigieg and Chris McLeod, and anthropologist/doctor Cassie Smith we have now established three clinics in Madagascar – Toliara, Fianarantsoa and Ampanihy.

I remain incredibly proud of all the clubfoot team has achieved. We have trained 13 staff in the Ponseti method of clubfoot treatment, and trained three doctors in surgical techniques. We have presented research about our programme at a national conference. We have broken down cultural barriers to seeking treatment for clubfoot in the regions in which we are active. And most importantly we have successfully treated hundreds of children who without access to ADFA clinics could not have received treatment, and would have faced a lifetime of disability.

Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, it has now been over 2 years since I was last able to visit the team. However, I am so pleased that the ADFA clubfoot clinics have continued to treat children during this time. We have moved to remote oversight of the clinics, and I love opening my emails each morning and seeing the progress photos of children undergoing treatment in Madagascar for clubfoot.

Finally…some words in the Toliara dialect: Biko azo ahity (clubfoot can be straight).

Dr Kate Stannage