After successfully treating childbirth injuries in Ethiopia, we’re expanding into Uganda.
Together with our Ugandan partner Terrewode, the Maternal Health Fund and partners are now treating fistula at the Terrewode Women’s Community Hospital (TWCH), a facility for childbirth injuries, in Soroti, Uganda. This has replicated the holistic model model of care based on the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital.
Why Uganda?
We have chosen Uganda because there is a significant need. Based on national statistics and our experience in Ethiopia, our conservative estimate is there are 50,000 Ugandan women living with obstetric fistula. Like many other countries, the number of hospitals in Uganda with space and capacity to treat fistula and similar childbirth injuries cannot meet the demand. TWCH is Uganda’s first dedicated women’s hospital and currently dedicated exclusively to treating childbirth injuries.
We have a strong, local partner. Terrewode is a community-based organization that has worked with obstetric fistula survivors in Uganda since 1999 and has developed a highly successful model for rehabilitating patients and reintegrating them into their communities. Terrewode provides women with skills to get them back on their feet after years of living with fistula or similar injuries.
Our Holistic Model of Care in action
Terrewode Women’s Community Hospital includes a 30-bed fistula treatment center and a rehabilitation center. At full capacity, the hospital is able to treat 600 women with childbirth injuries annually and help them reintegrate into their communities.
The world’s leading fistula surgeons provide leadership in clinical excellence, training, and capacity building for the Terrewode medical team. This includes extensive training and supportive supervision during the start-up stages in Uganda. Terrewode Women’s Community Hospital will set the standard of care for childbirth injuries in Uganda and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Initial funding supported the construction and the equipping of the hospital. Maternal Health Fund and other partners are also committed to supporting all operating costs until the time the hospital should be working at full capacity.
We remain dedicated to the women of Ethiopia
Ethiopia has reached a state where the medical systems have greatly reduced the number of new fistula cases. Maternal Health fund will continue to support infrastructure, fellowship training and prevention. However, our mission is to enable others and we can be more effective in areas that are greatly underserved.