Throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, women and girls commonly experience the misery caused by preventable childbirth injuries
In UGANDA, a country of 47M people, more than 6,000 women and adolescent girls die during childbirth every year. In ETHIOPIA, a country of 120M people, this staggering number is ~11,500. In both countries, many thousands more suffer debilitating childbirth injuries.
Sixteen women die in childbirth every day in Uganda; and over 30 in Ethiopia. The global annual childbirth injury treatment capacity of ~25,000 does not come anywhere close to the number of new annual cases. A strong focus on building preventative care capacity is essential to driving sustainable change.
Fistula destroys dreams
Supporting a new life, giving birth and raising children is universal. It commonly brings great joy to families. But in Sub-Saharan Africa, women and girls frequently suffer from preventable childbirth injuries that severely derail their lives, and all too often claim them. Sadly, most of their babies are stillborn.
The cause of fistula
An obstetric fistula is a hole between a woman’s birth canal and bladder and/or rectum. It is caused by prolonged, obstructed labor without access to timely, high-quality medical treatment.
The result of fistula
A fistula leaves women and girls leaking urine (and sometimes feces) uncontrollably. The smell repels others. Husbands and families withdraw, and communities shun these women.
We create hope
Maternal Health Fund supports interventions that help these women restore their lives and rekindle hope. Read one woman’s story of healing, restored hope and happiness.