#USA #Bend #Maternal Dignity #Fistula Fund #Terrewode Women's Fund

The Birth of the Maternal Dignity Project

The struggle against obstetric fistula has taken a significant leap forward with the recent merger of the Worldwide Fistula Fund and the Terrewode Women's Fund. Together, they have formed the Maternal Dignity Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering African-led initiatives aimed at treating and preventing this debilitating childbirth injury across five countries: Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Kenya, Niger, and Uganda.

What is Obstetric Fistula?

Obstetric fistula is a childbirth injury that affects countless women globally, an estimated 500,000 are currently living with this condition. It occurs when a woman experiences obstructed labor without timely access to an emergency Cesarean section, leading to devastating physical and emotional consequences. Despite being preventable and treatable, many women suffer for years, often unaware that repair is an option.

Empowering Local Organizations

The Maternal Dignity Project is set to strengthen partnerships with established organizations in the affected regions, such as ARENA Medical Center in Burkina Faso, which is the country's first specialized fistula center, and the Let's End Fistula Initiative in Kenya, led by survivor and advocate Sarah Omega. Additionally, TERREWODE in Uganda has gained international recognition for its work in supporting women post-surgery and for operating the only dedicated fistula hospital in the nation.

Bonnie Ruder, executive director of the Maternal Dignity Project, has expressed her commitment to fighting against this condition.

"Every woman with fistula today is living with something we already know how to prevent and repair. That is the part I cannot accept. Our partners have spent years proving what works, often with too little funding and largely on their own. Together we can put more behind them and help them end fistula for good."

Addressing Changing Challenges

The Maternal Dignity Project plans to expand its prevention efforts. As the trend of childbirth shifts increasingly toward health facilities, the causes of fistula have also evolved. There is a rising incidence of injuries from C-sections performed by inadequately trained providers. Several partner organizations are currently conducting research to better understand this shift and implement effective strategies.

The expertise vital to ending fistula already resides within the communities, with clinicians and survivors who have dedicated years to this cause. The Maternal Dignity Project aims to provide the support and resources to these individuals and organizations, ensuring that no woman has to face this plight alone.

A Call to Action

With a strong foundation built on solidarity and local leadership, the Maternal Dignity Project is not merely a merger of two organizations, but a powerful movement toward a future without obstetric fistula. By harnessing resources and collaborating with grassroots organizations, this project intends to create substantial change in the lives of women affected by this condition.

As partners and advocates engage in this critical work, the goal remains clear — to end fistula for good and restore dignity to countless women across the African continent.

For more information about the Maternal Dignity Project and how to support their efforts, please contact Dori Valerio at [email protected] or call +1 (631) 334-5672.