Understanding Clubfoot: how many are affected and how many get treatment?

The number of babies born with clubfoot around the world varies by region, averaging around 1.18 babies with clubfoot in every 1000 babies born globally.  Regions with increased birth prevalence of clubfoot include some of the most populous regions of the world with the highest birth rates – south Asia and the African continent – in these regions the clubfoot birth prevalence is closer to 1.6-1.8 per 1000 births.

We combine regional birth prevalence with population data published by the World Bank on population size and birth rate per 1000 population to forecast how many babies with clubfoot can be expected in each region annually.  This shows us that 179,000 babies are born with clubfoot worldwide each year, 166,000 or 93% of those, in low and middle income countries (LMIC).

Data collected biennially by GCI since 2005 shows how many babies have started treatment for clubfoot in LMIC since then.  Key insights from this data show:

·        Increasing access to treatment: More countries are providing Ponseti treatment through national clubfoot programmes, showing a clear upward trend in access. 

·        Ongoing gaps in treatment: Despite enormous global progress, by 2023 an estimated 70-80% of babies born in LMIC still did not receive treatment .

·        Impact of untreated clubfoot: Historical data indicates there are currently at least 2 million children living with untreated clubfoot which can hinder their walking participation in every area of their lives.