Proposed Global Grant “Transforming Lives” in Ecuador submitted for approval

July 19, 2022

Global Grant “Transforming Lives” (GG2239604), submitted this week to The Rotary Foundation (TRF) for approval, proposes the completion of a comprehensive training program for 11 Pediatric Orthopedists/ Orthopedic Surgeons (“trainees”) in Ecuador. The 11 trainees have already completed a first phase of training and have begun to establish 10 clinics in 8 cities distributed across Ecuador. During this project, three International Trainers will visit the trainees’ clinics (8 of which are in public hospitals) to evaluate the trainees in relation to the technique of the Ponseti Method (“PM”) and the organizational functioning of their clinics. The project will also distribute 500 braces to the clinics and promote the use of the PM within the Ecuadorian health care system by sponsoring the dissemination of information and guidance on the PM within the Ecuadorian scientific community. Annually, there are an estimated 350 new children born with clubfoot in Ecuador. Over the course of the trainees’ careers, it is expected that thousands of children will benefit from this project. The Rotary Club of Saint Helena (California) in District 5130 is the International Sponsor and the Rotary Club of Tsáchila de Santo Domingo (Ecuador) in District 4400 will host the project.


2021 – 2022 Ponseti Method Training Activities funded by Rotarians and The Rotary Foundation

May 10, 2022


Ponseti Method Training for the Treatment of Clubfoot in Ecuador (developing project)

January 30, 2022

Members of Rotary Club of St. Helena (CA, D5130) and Rotary Club of Quito Equinoccio (Ecuador, D4400) are in initial discussions and communication to partner to create a two-year Ponseti Method training grant in Ecuador.  It is estimated 440 babies are born with clubfoot each year.  The developing project would provide comprehensive Ponseti Method training of 12 orthopaedic surgeons and the establishment of 12 Ponseti Method Reference Clinics.  Three experienced PM trainers will serve as instructors and mentors.  Additional partner organizations include:  Ponseti International Association Latin America (PIA/LA); and orthopaedic societies – SCCOT, SLAOTI, SEOT (Ecuador Orthopaedic Society).