An evening view of the local hospital here in Toamasina
Hello from our family, and a quick update from the clubfoot program (will post a second part in the next week or so). Nick's team wrote these updates to share within Mercy Ships and also to some partner organisations, and we thought we'd share them here.
Our family is otherwise well! The kids are really thriving here and we are so grateful. Each week is quite full - the pace of life on the ship has always been fast but we love living in this community.
Here's a couple more recent photos, followed by the program update:
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| Clubfoot patients at the HOPE centre (off-ship patient housing) |
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| Taking a cast off after surgery at the local clinic within the hospital |
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| The team checks the progess of healing post surgery |
Mercy Ships Clubfoot Mentoring Program Update
Bridging the Gap: Mercy Ships Clubfoot Mentoring Program returns to Madagascar to enhance skills in treating older children with clubfoot.
After a 5-year hiatus, the Mercy Ships Clubfoot Mentoring Program has returned with renewed excitement and anticipation. The innovative mentoring program brings together international experts and local clinicians to enhance skills for treating more severe clubfoot cases and older children with clubfoot, building on foundations laid almost 10 years prior.
Mercy Ships Clubfoot Mentoring Participants from CHU Analankininina (Hopitaly be) 2015
A Decade of Progress and New Challenges
Ten years after Nick Veltjens, Clubfoot Program Manager, initially ran a mentoring program in Madagascar, the program’s return marks a significant milestone in the country’s clubfoot care journey. During the intervening decade, local healthcare providers have continued to develop strong foundational skills in treating clubfoot cases using the Ponseti Method which is the Gold-standard treatment recommended globally.
However, more severe cases and children with delayed presenting clubfoot have continued to pose a challenge. This is where the new mentoring program aims to make an impact.
“What makes the program special is the ability to come alongside local clinicians on a weekly basis and reinforce and strengthen their skills in treating these much older and challenging cases” Nick Veltjens- Clubfoot Program Manager.
Building on Early Success
The program has already completed an intensive two-day course covering advanced approaches for assessment and treatment for delayed presenting clubfoot. The training combined theoretical sessions with hands on practice, creating a foundation for ongoing mentoring relationships.
"It was truly encouraging to see participants appreciate the value of having a more conservative approach in treating delayed-presenting clubfoot, and how this can lead to better outcomes." Nick Veltjens- Clubfoot Program Manager.
Mercy Ships Clubfoot Course 2025
Looking Forward: Sustainable Impact
As the project continues, the focus will shift towards supervised clinical practice and joint treatment sessions. Working in partnership to achieve the best clinical outcomes for children with delayed presenting clubfoot and providing opportunities for sharing clinical experience and knowledge.
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| Mercy Ships Clubfoot Course 2025 |
In parallel, the project will focus on fostering strong professional networks among Malagasy clinicians, key stakeholders—including AMPR, MiracleFeet, and the Ministry of Health. This collaborative approach aims to strengthen the national clubfoot program and ensure the long-term sustainability of clubfoot clinics and the continued delivery of high-quality treatment and care.
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If you'd like to support our time here in Madagascar, we are still fundraising through Mercy Ships:
