Freedom from Fistula Foundation - Us

There is a saying in Africa – “to be in labor is to have one foot in the grave.” 

Never is that more true than for the estimated two million women and girls in the developing world who survive prolonged, obstructed labor. Their babies die and they are left damaged with a hole between the birth canal and bladder or rectum, leaving them chronically incontinent.

This terrible condition is also common amongst women and girls who fall victim to violent rape.

Suffering with this shameful condition which is known as obstetric fistula or VVF (Vesico Vaginal Fistula), the women and girls often live in isolation after being outcast by their families and communities.  

They have no voice.  Some take their own lives. 

In 2008, one of Britain’s most successful businesswomen, Ann Gloag, decided to help these women and girls and The Freedom From Fistula Foundation (FFFF) was born.

The charity was founded with the vision for all women in Africa to have access to healthcare during pregnancy and childbirth and to help eradicate obstetric fistulas. 

The Freedom From Fistula Foundation funds and manages projects that provide both surgical repairs for patients already suffering with fistula, as well as maternity care to prevent fistulas happening in the first place.

The charity has been active for five years and is running projects in Sierra Leone, Malawi, Kenya and Liberia, with the capacity to help up to 5,000 women and girls every year.   

In more than 90% of cases, the fistula can be repaired and the women can go on to lead a normal life. 

The Freedom From Fistula Foundation is an organization that prides itself on playing an active role when it comes to getting the job done. We are on the ground ensuring that healing happening. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: 100% of donations that the charity recieves go directly to help the women and girls who need our services. The administration and overhead costs are met by Ann Gloag.