Lita’s Story
Case Study
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
July 2015
Lita received her first treatment for clubfoot when she was one month old. Born in Dar es Salaam, Lita’s condition was identified at birth by the nurses who delivered her. Her mother Anna was instructed to come to CCBRT for treatment.
“When I first met the doctors at CCBRT,” Anna says “they told me Lita would be treated through casting her feet, and possibly operating on them. I am a stay-at-home mum, and Lita’s father is self-employed as an engineer. We have three other children: one is 21, one is 16, and the other is 3.
When Lita was born and I saw her feet, my husband and I were disappointed at first. Then we became encouraged as relatives said our baby could receive treatment and get better. My family and friends didn’t think Lita’s condition was a new thing, and knew that CCBRT was the place for her to get better. They knew my baby could be healed.
We traveled over 30 miles by bijaj to CCBRT. Since I arrived at CCBRT, my hope has increased. I have met medical personnel here that told me Lita would be well and would be like other children after treatment. This treatment could change her life completely. Before, it was likely Lita would not be able to walk or wear shoes because of her condition. Now, I hope she goes to school to become a nurse one day.
I have really preferred the services at CCBRT, though there is a challenge-there are so many people here for treatment! The staff are kind, and doing hard work.
If I could, I would find a way to thank the people who supported Lita’s treatment, because now I have seen a new light for the life of my baby. I also wish the services could be extended to other regions because children have the same conditions everywhere, but lack treatment.”