Obstetric Fistula, a condition which causes so much misery to sufferers is becoming rare in rich countries but still occur in developed countries especially in poor rural communities. The shame associated with the condition drives affected women further into a life of poverty and unhappiness. Many women with fistula either do not know that they can get medical help, or if they do, they are unable to pay. In Ghana, the condition can be found in all parts of the country but commonly in the northern sector.

The UNFPA works with the Ghana Health Service and the National Obstetric Fistula Taskforce Team and any other interested stakeholders to identify, repair and restore fistula cases.

In assisting and ensuring that the dignity, hopes and dreams of many women and girls with obstetric fistula are restored, the North American Women's Association (NAWA), a social and charitable organization dedicated to promoting friendship and cultural activities among women of all nationalities residing in Ghana, raised funds and presented a cheque of GHS 60,364.20 to the UNFPA along with other donations such as sanitary towels, soap, buckets, tooth brushes and other hygiene items.  Receiving the items on behalf of the Country Office the Deputy Representative, Erika Goldson, acknowledged how moving the plight of those suffering with the condition can be and remarked that no one who encounters the sufferers or hears their stories goes away unaffected. She was pleased that NAWA followed through with their empathy for fistula clients by raising funds and donating items to support them. Ms. Goldson affirmed the impact the support would have on the recipients and reassured them of UNFPA’s diligence in ensuring that the funds and items are used appropriately and reported on.

The wife of the Norwegian Ambassador to Ghana, Mrs. Audhild Rosberg who was instrumental in the fundraising activity, narrated her first encounter with the issue of obstetric fistula in Addis Ababa years ago and said that experience never left her and since then, whenever she was in a country where obstetric fistula was prevalent, she endeavoured to support the sufferers.  

The entire process was initiated by the UNFPA Ghana Honorary Ambassador Ms. Claudia Lumor as part of her resource mobilization strategy to contribute to UNFPA’s vison of ensuring that every pregnancy is wanted and every child birth is safe. She said no woman should suffer stigma, neglect and isolation during or after giving birth.

The NAWA Executives present also expressed their delight in supporting UNFPA’s Campaign to End Obstetric Fistula because of the impact the stories of those with fistula had on them. They each narrated how shocked they first were on hearing about it. They looked forward to an opportunity of going to meet fistula clients during some of the outreaches.

Indeed “Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless the giver as well”