The Njokuti Foundation was founded in 2002 by a group of enthusiastic professionals, who nearly all have earned their spurs in the tropics. Since then several orthopedic surgeons, a plastic surgeon and a general surgeon travel a few times a year – mostly at their own expense – to Tanzania and Uganda, where they operate on dozens of children. At the same time they share their knowledge with African colleagues from various rehabilitation centers, hospitals or projects dealing with rehabilitation. The foundation is named after the first child operated by one of the orthopedic surgeons, Harry de Vries: a boy called Njokuti.

The main objective of the Njokuti Foundation is helping children with bone diseases similar to rickets or skeletal fluorosis. These diseases often causes severe bone deformities and make it impossible for the children to stand or walk. Other children may have neglected clubfeet or other deformities. The outcome of the surgery performed on these children is impressive. It allows them to stand on their feet again.

After surgery, the children receive  a one month rehabilitation programme in a rehabilitation center in the area. Where needed, the Njokuti Foundation supports their families in the costs of rehabilitation. As a consequence these children, often from poor families, have a chance to escape from the downward spiral caused by their handicap.

The Njokuti Foundation is run entirely by volunteers. Over the years, a growing number of doctors are working for Njokuti. It’s the policy of Njokuti to allow new doctors to visit Africa together with an experienced member of Njokuti. This way, new members can easily be introduced to the work and spirit of Njokuti and are given the opportunity to learn form the experiences of their colleagues.