When Beverly Auma was born 12 years ago, at her parents’ home in Kamagambo,Rongo Sub-county, she looked okay like any child.
At that time, her mother did not expect to see her daughter grow up to be someone who would use assistive devices to walk.
To her mother BentaAchieng, Auma started her life well like a normal child would do.
She later learned how to walk and talk until her normal life was interrupted when she was diagnosed with malaria at the age of three which permanently changed her physical look.
Achieng says her daughter developed difficulties in walking after contracting the disease.
After malaria treatment, Auma’s left foot started swelling like a balloon.
The swelling permanently changed the minor’s mobility.
“I tried using traditional medicine which did not help. I was advised to go to the hospital but my financial status made me stay at home with my daughter,” MsAchieng said.
As Auma grew older, her left swollen foot became bigger as it twisted inwards.
Doctors use the term “clubfoot” to describe the condition that affects freedom of movement of children.
It is an abnormality usually present at birth.
In most cases, the front of the foot is twisted downward and inward, as the arch is increased and the heel is turned inwards.
If not corrected at an early stage, a child would grow up to be as if he is suffering from rickets.
His ability to walk without using crutches would also be limited.
Auma had to accept and adopt to her condition and move on with life.
As she walked, the class five pupil would hold on to objects to maintain balance or risk falling down.
“I was worried about how my foot looked. My peers were always scared of me,” Auma said.
At school, the pupil, though determined to walk as others, would be left behind when others are walking in or out of class.
Her snail pace also hindered her from participating in games at school.
Auma is however on a journey towards a regular life where she can walk normally without having to rely on any support.
She is among a group of beneficiaries who have been enrolled in a programme where children suffering from various forms of disabilities like club foot and other abnormalities on the limbs undergo reconstructive surgeries to correct their condition.
More than 542 children with disabilities have undergone free correctional surgeries in the country through support from a partnership between Safaricom Foundation, Christian Blind Mission (CBM), Cure Kenya and Girl Child Network.
After being identified by local administrators and hospitals, children with disabilities are enrolled in plans to undergo correctional surgeries.
Those with disabilities which cannot be corrected are given assistive devices to walk.
The initiative which started in 2016 has since helped at least 420 children who have undergone the correctional surgeries in the first and second phases of the programme.
112 more children have also benefited from the third phase of the programme which is soon coming to an end.
Safaricom Foundation Programmes Manager IdahJuma and CBM’s Monica Wandera visited Homa Bay Teaching and Referral hospital recently where Auma and at least other 70 children were being attended to.
They said the program is meant to improve the welfare of children and to support them so that they can have good health and go to school.
“Most schools are not friendly to children with physical needs. Most parents prefer to keep their children at home because of this. That is when we come in,” MsJuma said.
MsWandera said 535 children with disabilities were identified and placed in schools during the first and second phases of the programme.
384 others were given mobility assistive devices, while 347 children underwent rehabilitation.
“879 children were referred for specialized treatment. In the current phase, 78 children have received assistive devices while 129 parents, guardians and caregivers were trained on home based care for their children,” MsWandera said.
The team has also been able to modify five schools to have better accessibility for children with special needs.
“A lot of parents are embracing the demand. It is good to see a child being able to walk after many years of difficulty in movement,” MsWandera said.
Auma is expected to visit a physiotherapist after six weeks who will assess her left foot and put new plaster on the foot to realign her bent bones.
Her mother expressed optimism that her daughter will walk normally.
