Fistula Repair Surgery for 37 Women in Ghana

Summary

This project will provide repair surgery for 37 women suffering from obstetric fistula in rural regions of Northern Ghana.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

Obstetric fistula is a hole in the birth canal, caused during childbirth when emergency obstetric care is unavailable for women who experience complications. Resulting in debilitating incontinence and, usually, a stillborn child, the mother is often ostracized by her husband and family. This condition is easily treatable in most cases, but because of poverty and lack of social support, women in the rural regions of Northern Ghana are unable to travel the long distances to access services.

How will this project solve this problem?

We will conduct outreach visits to Northern Ghana, where physicians will assess women suffering from obstetric fistula. Then patients will be transported to project hospitals, where they will receive repair surgery and post-operative care.

Potential Long Term Impact

Having been outcast for their condition, this project will allow 37 women to lead healthy and fulfilled lives by providing repair surgery. They will again be able to contribute to their families’ livelihoods and be productive members of society.

Project Message

I have gained confidence in myself since I had my fistula repaired because I can now attend any function in my community…I pray that your project will be able to repair other women with the condition.
- Alima Fuseini, Ms. Fuseini is a project beneficiary

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).