Obstetric Fistula surgeries help save the dignity and lives of 50 Liberian women.
Why we care: In Liberia many women and girls suffer in solitude and shame from obstetric fistula – a hole in the birth canal caused by prolonged or obstructed labor, often resulting in incontinence —which is preventable and treatable with adequate maternal care.
How we’re solving this: With the average cost of fistula treatment at $300 per patient, the Liberian Fistula Project seeks funds to identify and treat 50 women suffering from fistula and empower them to reintegrate into their communities.
Since the Project began in 2007, significant progress has been made in addressing the plight of many Liberian women and girls; over 1000 women and girls with obstetric fistula have been surgically treated, and roughly 24% of these survivors have been rehabilitated and fully reintegrated into their communities.
The Project has a 3 pronged approach:
- Prevention: The goal is to reduce the incidence of obstetric fistula through health education and awareness building efforts aimed at abolishing harmful traditional practices which contribute to fistula. Doctors and nurses also receive training in provision of emergency obstetric care.
- Treatment: Services are provided at additional designated health institutions in Liberia, including: the fistula centers of excellence at Liberia Government Hospital in Tubmanburg, Bomi county and Phebe/C. B. Dunbar Hospitals in Bong county.
- Rehabilitation and Reintegration: Additional services provide skills training of fistula survivors, economically empowering them for re-entry in communities of their choosing.
But still, there are an estimated 600-1000 new cases of obstetric fistula every year in Liberia and over 5000 existing cases.
Lend your support to the Liberian Fistula Project and help fund the treatment of 50 Liberian women suffering from fistula. With your help, they can lead lives of health, dignity and greater opportunity.