Sue Hope - Freedom from Fistula

Sue Hope thanked the club for its ongoing support. It is greatly appreciated. 

In this country the NHS takes great care of pregnant women. This is not the case in underdeveloped countries and many women and their babies die. Many of the women suffer from obstetric fistula and are ostracised by their families and communities as they smell and are constantly wet, leaving them to live as outcasts.

The Freedom from Fistula charity was set up in 2008 by the Ann Gloag foundation. Since then many thousands have been helped. They have many ambassadors to spread the word. Its vision is for all women in Africa to have access to healthcare during pregnancy and childbirth and to help eradicate obstetric fistulas. Currently the charity mostly of works in Malawi and Sierra Leone. In this latter country is the Aberdeen Women’s centre which does great work. 

In this centre, among many other things, is a family planning clinic. Some men attend this. Local people are being trained to build a health system. When women leave the centre they are given something to take back to their community making them more likley to be welcomed back. One popular item is chickens. The community appreciates these for their eggs and meat.

The budget in Sierra Leone is £1 million and we were asked to continue with our support. All money goes to help. There are no administration costs. Ann Gloag looks after this.

Freedom from Fistula watchword is HOPE

The club’s vote of thanks was given by Mike Rowe.