These feet were made for walking
Twenty-two patients' lives changed
Delegates and surgeons from the USA, Britain, Brazil, Malawi and South Africa performed the procedures on less privileged Namibians.
Since 2018, 75 patients in Namibia have received free reconstructive surgery as part of the Steps2Walk outreach programme. This year, the lives of 22 patients (15 children and seven adults) were changed forever, with 31 feet operated on within two days.Steps2Walk was established in 2000 by the American doctor Mark Myerson in response to the need for the teaching and training of international foot and ankle surgeons who have little access to continuing and advanced training in this specialist field. During the programme which was held from 10 to 14 June in both the Windhoek Central Hospital and the Lady Pohamba Private Hospital, doctors in the related field performed surgical procedures for foot and ankle disorders, while orthopaedic surgeons also offered training in treatment alternatives.
Delegates and surgeons from the USA, Britain, Brazil, Malawi and South Africa performed the operations on less privileged Namibians. Eleven doctors and nurses participated in the project by attending the scientific programme, evaluation of patients and operations.
Sponsors, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Social Services, ensured that the treatment and operations were offered at no cost to patients. The sponsors of this year's successful outreach program include FirstRand Foundation, Avis Rent-a-Car, Windhoek Town Lodge, Namibia Contract Caterers, Namrad, Pathcare, Geka, Nedbank, Caremed, Genmed, NuAngle, Sun Medical Supplies, Gondwana Trust, ProStudio, PPS, Parrot, Shoprite & Checkers, Ohltaver & List, Kilian Orthopaedics and Wellington Physiotherapy. - [email protected]