End Fistula
Since July 2018 Women’s Hope International is partnering with LAMB (Luthran Aid Medicine Bangladesh) in order to find and heal women suffering from obstetric fistula in 30 subdistrict of the districts Dinajpur, Ponchagor, Thakurgaon, Kurigram and Gaibands in the north-west of the country.
Goal
The suffering of fistula sufferers in northern Bangladesh is reduced.
Overview
Obstetric fistula is a severe birth injury which leaves women incontinent. In addition to the health complaints, those affected also suffer from enormous psychological stress and social stigmatisation. Many fistula sufferers are disowned by their families and live isolated and in great poverty on the fringes of society.
In northwestern Bangladesh, many women live with fistula without knowing the cause of their suffering or the treatment options. There is little awareness of the birth injury. Some health workers also have little knowledge, so obstetric fistula often goes undetected and untreated. LAMB Hospital is the only health institution in the region where fistula can be operated on.
What we do
In order for fistula sufferers to find their way back to a healthy and self-determined life, they need to be identified, treated and socially reintegrated.
We do awareness-raising work in 30 sub-districts in the north of Bangladesh to locate women with fistula
We support the holistic treatment of fistula at the LAMB hospital and cover the transport and operation costs.
Together with the women, we look for possibilities of social reintegration after the operation. So far, the Community Fistula Advocates Programme in particular has achieved very good results.
Depending on the degree of complication of the fistula, patients can be operated on directly at the LAMB hospital. For more complex cases, specialised surgeons travel to the hospital several times a year.
Our goals
Women with obstetric fistula have been reached and the population has been sensitised.
Affected women have access to good treatment. Their quality of life is improved.
Women who suffer or have suffered from a fistula can again actively participate in society.
Sustainability
Traditional and state birth attendants are involved in the project so that they can recognise fistula and refer those affected to the LAMB Hospital. They will also be able to use this knowledge after the project ends. Thanks to the awareness campaigns, the population has a broader knowledge about fistula. Treated women who are on the road as Community Fistula Advocates find more fistula patients.
Together we can eliminate obstetric fistula! Support the work of Women's Hope with a donation now! Thank you very much for your help.
Cover picture: Nofisa Khatun (65), fistula survivor and community fistula advocate, Image: Farhana Akther/WHI/Fairpicture
Overview:
Country:
Bangladesh
Period:
01.01.2022-31.12.2024
01.01.2025 - 31.12.2028 (Updates on the new project phase will follow in January 2025).
Local partner:
LAMB Hospital
Target groups:
Women with fistula, health professionals, other key persons in the communities
Project area:
30 subdistricts of the districts Dinajpur, Ponchagor, Thakurgaon, Kurigram and Gaibanda, in the north of Bangladesh
Partner: LAMB
Lutheran Aid to Medicine Bangladesh (LAMB) has been active in Bangladesh since the 1970s and is now regarded as a key provider of healthcare services there. LAMB Hospital has a catchment area of approximately 2 million people.
Programme Manager
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