The Consequences of Inadequate Care
In our latest initiative, in partnership with the Kupona Foundation, we are working to support women and children in Tanzania’s maternal healthcare system. Many women face life-threatening risks due to a lack of access to quality healthcare. Reproductive healthcare is a human right, and every mother and newborn child deserves the care needed for a safe delivery.
The Devastating Impact of Obstetric Fistulas
One of the most heartbreaking consequences of inadequate maternal care is obstetric fistulas, a debilitating childbirth injury that affects over 3,000 women each year in Tanzania. Caused by prolonged obstructed labor without timely access to emergency care, an obstetric fistula creates a hole between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum, leading to chronic incontinence. Tragically, in 90% of cases, the baby does not survive.
The stigma surrounding obstetric fistula often compounds the suffering of these women. Many are abandoned by their families and ostracized by their communities, leaving them isolated, excluded, and among the most vulnerable members of society.
But there is hope. In 2023 alone, Kupona Foundation and their partner organization CCBRT performed 482 fistula repair surgeries—life-changing procedures that restore dignity, health, and hope.
What $2,100 Covers 💚
Each fistula surgery costs $2,100, which includes comprehensive care:
Transportation to and from the medical facility.
The surgery and necessary follow-up care.
A two-week stay post-surgery with room and board.
Participation in sewing and crochet classes.
Group activities such as singing and psychosocial support sessions.
During their recovery, patients receive meals, lodging, and care in a supportive environment. This two-week stay not only ensures physical recovery but also provides opportunities for emotional healing and connection.
Investing in Maternal Care for a Better Future
Our partnership with the Kupona Foundation goes beyond individual surgeries. We are supporting broader efforts to:
Train healthcare workers to provide lifesaving maternal and newborn care.
Distribute essential medical equipment to labor wards and operating rooms.
Upgrade public healthcare facilities, ensuring they are equipped to handle childbirth emergencies.
These efforts are critical to improving maternal health outcomes in Tanzania and ensuring that mothers and newborns receive the care they need.
Join Us in Making a Lifesaving Impact
By contributing just a few dollars each month, you can help support these transformative efforts. Whether it’s funding a portion of a surgery, training healthcare workers, or equipping labor wards, every donation adds up to create a profound impact for mothers and newborns in need.
Together, we can restore dignity, save lives, and build a future where every woman in Tanzania has access to the care she deserves.
