Strengthening Partnerships, Expanding Impact

The Straight Child Foundation (TSCF) embarked on a strategic advocacy mission to Kogi State. The goal? To deepen collaboration with health and communication stakeholders in the state and enhance awareness and access to free clubfoot treatment for children.

Stakeholder Engagement Highlights

Our team met with the Executive Director of the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (PHCDA), Dr. Musa Mu’azu, who pledged strong support for community mobilization and public sensitization. His office is committed to using all available platforms to raise awareness about clubfoot and promote early detection and referrals.

We also engaged the State Chairperson of the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs) Mrs. Christy Aturu, who acknowledged the crucial role of early identification and committed to intensifying efforts during community health activities, despite logistical challenges in rural outreach.

At the Kogi State Hospital Management Board, we held impactful discussions with Dr. Ayo Olayemi and his team, highlighting the global and national burden of untreated clubfoot and the life-changing work being done through our partnership with MiracleFeet. The Board expressed interest in improving referral systems and working more closely with traditional birth attendants and nursing leaders to ensure no child is left behind.

At the National Orientation Agency (NOA), we were warmly received by the State Director, Mr. Patrick Edogbanya. We applauded their efforts in bridging information gaps, especially during recent media blackouts. The NOA committed to scaling up grassroots communication efforts, leveraging roadshows, loudspeaker announcements in local languages, and printed flyers.

We rounded off the visit with an advocacy meeting with the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdlazeez Adams Adeiza, who recognized our collaboration with various health and communication agencies. He invited TSCF to join the State’s Health Partners Forum to collaborate more broadly on improving child health outcomes.

These engagements have not only solidified state-level partnerships but have also laid the groundwork for increased awareness, early detection, and access to free clubfoot treatment in Kogi State.

Together, we’re building a future where no child walks in pain.