In Africa,it is estimated that between two and three million women are suffering and dying from fistulas as they have no money for proper medical treatment. Helping as many of these women as possible is the goal of the West Africa Fistula Foundation.
Medical Research experts in Sierra Leone have concluded that the major contributing factors for the high prevalence of VVF in Sierra Leone include the following?
- Inadequate network of effectively functioning obstetric units in the nation
- Obstetrical practices of untrained traditional birth attendants (TBAS)
- Cultural practices of early marriages as well as late prenatal care or teenage pregnancy (12-18 years)
- Rape and other forceful/unusual sexual encounters
- Others
West Africa Fistula Foundation (WAFF) is dedicated to improving the lives of women of Sierra Leone and its surrounding countries.
WAFF’s goal is to:
• provide surgical remedies for those suffering from existing obstetric fistulas
• offer education and resources to decrease the occurrence of new fistula cases
• teach family planning, literacy and vocational skills
• assist fistula patients to reintegrate into their communities
• train Sierra Leoneans as healthcare professionals
By carrying out this goal, WAFF hopes to:
• empower fistula patients to improve their quality of life
• eliminate obstetric fistula
• lower the rate of infant and maternal mortality
We are also eager to assemble the funds to build a new Hospital where the people of West Africa will have access to better healthcare facilities all services are provided free of charge due to donors generous support.