Fistula Foundation (Democratic Republic of Congo)
Fistula Foundation is dedicated to eradicating the suffering caused by obstetric fistula, a debilitating childbirth injury affecting at least one million women globally. Fistula causes lifelong incontinence that results in social isolation, but with proper treatment, women can reclaim their health and lives. Fistula Foundation has partnered with 70+ local surgical teams, hospitals, and organisations in 33 countries across Sub-Sahara Africa and South Asia to provide 75,000+ women with free, holistic fistula treatment.
They are committed to helping women in the short term by providing as many cost-free surgeries as possible, and in the long term, through their evidence-based Fistula Foundation Treatment Networks (FFTNs) that increase access to timely, quality treatment and comprehensive post-operative care across a country.
With access to care in more places, women with fistula no longer wait for years to undergo surgery and are less likely to travel long distances to receive high-quality treatment.
In 2023/24, the Eurofins Foundation contributed to the Lomami Province Fistula Project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Childbirth injuries are a major gender issue, and obstetric fistula causes significant issues for women. Suffering from obstetric fistula causes chronic pain and health issues, and is significantly debilitating. Successful fistula repair surgery is a life-changing treatment for some of the world's most vulnerable women, restoring their health and wellbeing, and massively improving their quality of life. Supporting women with obstetric fistula by restoring their continence helps them re-enter their communities, develop skills to bring income into their homes, and potentially choose to have children again.
Women with obstetric fistula are predominantly young and living in extreme poverty in rural areas. The Lomami Province Fistula Project addresses these challenges by funding access to health services (transportation, surgeries etc.) while ensuring all fistula treatment is free.
In the first half of 2024 alone, the Eurofins Foundation's funds allowed Panzi hospital, in the Lomani Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, to provide free surgeries to 115 women to repair fistula and severe perineal tears, with a 96% success rate, restoring the health of 110 women. Additionally, 5 nurses and 50 community members were trained in healthcare services, a public information campaign on the topic reached 2000 people, and a radio campaign spread awareness about fistula symptoms to over 300,000 people in the local community, about 10% of Lomami's population.
In 2024/2025, the Eurofins Foundation renews its contribution to this project.
This project contributes to the following United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal
