Healing Clubfoot in Nepal A Journey of Hope and Transformation

Every year, hundreds of children in Nepal face the challenge of being born with clubfoot, a condition that can severely limit mobility if left untreated. Since the devastating 2015 earthquake, the number of children affected has increased, with thousands more injured during the disaster. Amid the majestic mountains of Nepal, these children often struggle to stand on their own feet, both literally and figuratively. For over a decade, a dedicated team of volunteers from the United States has traveled to Nepal to offer healing and hope through specialized care. Their work in 2025 alone included assessing nearly 200 patients and performing dozens of surgeries, transforming lives and communities.

Understanding Clubfoot and Its Impact in Nepal

Clubfoot is a congenital condition where a newborn’s foot is twisted out of shape or position. Without treatment, children face difficulty walking, pain, and social stigma. In Nepal, approximately 782 children are born with clubfoot each year. The 2015 earthquake worsened the situation, causing injuries that increased the number of children needing care.

The mountainous terrain and limited healthcare access make treatment difficult for many families. Children in remote villages often go without proper care, leading to lifelong disability. This condition affects not only the child’s mobility but also their education, social participation, and future opportunities.

The Volunteer Team’s Mission and Approach

For 12 years, a fearless team of volunteers from the US has traveled to Nepal to provide specialized treatment for clubfoot. Their mission is to bring healing to children who otherwise would not have access to care. The team includes orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, and local healthcare workers who collaborate closely.

Their approach combines assessment, non-surgical treatment, and surgery when necessary. They use the Ponseti method, a widely recognized technique involving gentle manipulation and casting to correct the foot’s position. Surgery is reserved for more severe cases or when non-surgical methods are insufficient.

In 2025, the team assessed 198 patients and performed 41 surgical procedures on 20 children. These numbers reflect a significant impact on the community, offering children a chance to walk and play without pain.

Stories of Transformation

One example is a young boy from a remote village who was born with severe clubfoot. Before treatment, he struggled to walk and attend school. After months of casting and a successful surgery, he now runs freely with his friends. His family describes the change as life-altering, giving him independence and hope for the future.

Another child, injured during the earthquake, received urgent care from the volunteer team. The surgery corrected his foot deformity, allowing him to regain mobility and avoid permanent disability. These stories highlight the real difference made by the team’s work.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite progress, challenges remain. Nepal’s geography and infrastructure limit access to consistent care. Many families cannot afford travel or treatment costs. Awareness about clubfoot and its treatment options is still low in some areas.

The volunteer team works with local health providers to train them in early diagnosis and treatment. This collaboration aims to build sustainable care systems so children can receive help closer to home. Education campaigns also raise awareness among communities about the importance of early intervention.

How You Can Support the Cause

Supporting organizations that provide clubfoot treatment in Nepal can make a difference. Donations cover medical supplies, volunteers' travel costs, and training programs for local healthcare workers. Volunteering skills or spreading awareness also contribute to the cause.

$30	One set of crutches post surgery
$50	Extra costs for medicines in surgery
$100	Surgical devices for foot and ankle care
$150	Cost for MRI needed for evaluation for surgery
$300	Full funding for one child to receive foot and ankle surgery
$500	Transportation for the medical team to and from the hospital for a week
$1000	Helps to update medical equipment at NOH for all patients
$2500	Provides desperately needed assistance for unmet medical expenses

By helping children stand on their own feet, we contribute to stronger, healthier communities in Nepal. Every child deserves the chance to walk, learn, and thrive.

Support our amazing HTC Foot and Ankle Medical Team's trip to Nepal in late April 2026. You can send a check to Healing the Children, C/O Nepal Team, PO Box 9065, Spokane, WA 99209-9065, online at Payment Options, or scan this QR Code.

HTC PayPal Link

About Healing the Children

Celebrating 46 years of healing, Healing the Children is dedicated to helping underserved children worldwide secure the quality medical care they desperately need to live more fulfilling lives. Healing the Children (HTC) is one of the nation's oldest and largest non-governmental, humanitarian, volunteer-driven charities. HTC partners with American healthcare providers to help underserved children worldwide secure urgently needed medical care that would otherwise be unobtainable.

Healing the Children envisions a world where every child can access quality medical care. Our national office supports our 15 chapters (serving 18 states). Since its founding in 1979, Healing the Children has helped 324,853 children access the gift of healing. We have secured over $810 million in donated goods and services to facilitate its work. HTC's programs are led by dedicated medical and professional volunteers who generously give their time and talent to help heal children worldwide. For every $1 donated, we can leverage $12 in matching goods and services. This is the power of your investment in HTC!