From Classrooms to Communities: How CURE India and the University of Delhi are Empowering the Next Generation to End Clubfoot Disability
The future of a "Clubfoot-Free India" does not just rest in the hands of surgeons; it lives in the hearts of the next generation of social workers, researchers, and public health advocates. On a vibrant morning at Maitreyi College, University of Delhi, CURE India took a significant step in cultivating this future. We were honored to conduct an Internship Orientation Programme, introducing students to the profound social impact of community-based healthcare and the specialized world of disability care.
As one of the Top 10 NGO’s in India, CURE India (often known simply as CURE) recognizes that our mission to achieve RunFree2030 requires a constant influx of fresh energy, critical thinking, and compassionate leadership. By partnering with prestigious academic institutions, we are not just offering internships; we are building a movement.
The orientation was led by a true pioneer in the field, Dr. Mathew Varghese, Hon. Medical Director of CURE India. With decades of experience in orthopedic excellence and community health, Dr. Varghese shared invaluable insights on why early intervention is the cornerstone of public health.
He introduced the students to the Ponseti method, the non-surgical gold standard for treating Clubfoot. This method—which relies on gentle manipulation, serial casting, and the use of the FAB (Foot Abduction Brace)—has revolutionized how we look at childhood disability. For the students of Maitreyi College, this was a masterclass in how evidence-based medicine can be scaled to reach the most underserved families in the country.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Smriti Singh and the Principal of Maitreyi College for their unwavering support. Their commitment to providing students with real-world exposure to social development is what makes this academic–NGO collaboration so powerful.
Why are these internships so critical now? Because CURE India is currently at a turning point. We are proud to manage the largest clubfoot program in the world, having documented the most number of clubfoot children treated globally. However, our vision is far more ambitious than our past achievements.
Currently, CURE India is treating 33% of children born with clubfoot in India. While this is a milestone that has cemented our status as a Top 10 NGO in the country, thousands of children are still being missed. Under our RunFree2030 initiative, we are scaling up to 70% in the next 5 years.
To reach that remaining 37%, we need more than just doctors; we need "Youth for Change." We need interns who can help with community mapping, data analysis, family counseling, and awareness drives. By training Maitreyi College students, we are preparing the workforce that will help us achieve national coverage.
To our donors and the general public, these academic collaborations are a testament to our credibility. An NGO that opens its doors to the scrutiny and curiosity of University of Delhi students is an organization that operates with total transparency of fund usage.
When you make a donation to CURE India, you are supporting a holistic ecosystem. Your contribution ensures:
The enthusiasm shown by the students at Maitreyi College is a call to action for all of us. You don't have to be a student or a doctor to help India run free.
As these students begin their journey with us, we look forward to the "Maitreyi spark" igniting new solutions for child health in India. Together, through academic excellence and clinical dedication, we are making a clubfoot-free future a reality.
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