Jazim in Malawi

When Daudi comes to the clinic with his son Jazim, he gets a lot of looks at first. In Malawi, it typically is the women who take the lead in family healthcare. Seeing a dad taking on this role has garnered much support and encouragement from the moms at the clinic. But it would not be this way if it were up to Daudi.

His wife Marriam passed away 10 days after giving birth to Jazim and his twin brother, Jazil, who was not born with clubfoot. Daudi was familiar with clubfoot because another child, Juma, was also born with clubfoot and has now been discharged from the program. 

His knowledge of clubfoot and the treatment process helped, but Daudi was still concerned about getting to the clinic weekly while Jazim was in the casting phase. He called Parent Advisor Estella, who reminded him of the process and encouraged him to bring Jazim even though he had lost the support of his wife. 

“The time I called the parent advisor, she encouraged me to bring the child to the clinic for treatment,” Daudi said. “Then, after getting to the clinic, I received a warm welcome that encouraged me so much.”

Daudi fought the social norms to see that Jazim could walk like his other siblings. Today, Jazim is through the casting phase and walking on straight feet. Dad could not be more proud.