10th May, 2011
The Consolidate Bank Gives AMREF KES 1.5 MILLION (GBP 10,470) To Combat Fistula
The Consolidated bank in Kenya has given KES 1.5 MILLION (GBP 10,470) to AMREF to cater for fistula operations as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative for the year.
The Consolidated bank’s ‘Hadhi Fistula Campaign’ aims to cover 50 operations to reduce the maternal mortality rate in Kenya through combating obstetric fistula.
Obstetric fistula is an injury to the birth canal which if left untreated can lead to; chronic incontinence and pain, sexual dysfunction and nerve damage. Fistula sufferers are often subject to social isolation and stigma.
"Our target is to see at least 500 patients undergoing the operation by end of this year," Chief Executive Officer of Consolidated Bank, David Wachira.
Fistula affects over two million women and girls, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. Fistula can be repaired with local anaesthetic and patients tend to recover quickly, making it a very effective medical intervention.
In Tanzania, the Tanzania National Fistula Programme is run in collaboration with AMREF and Women’s Dignity, a Tanzanian charity.
“Under this programme we now offer fistula repairs free of charge,” says Dr. Gaudens Konba.
Dr. Konba, a gynecologist and obstetrician has received training from AMREF on three separate occasions. He works in a district hospital in southwestern Tanzania, where he operates on up to 100 patients a year.
Find out more about AMREF's work treating fistula in Tanzania
Read Stella's story, a woman whose crippling fistula was treated by AMREF surgeons
Find out more about The Consolidated bank’s ‘Hadhi Fistula Campaign’ .