Carrying the Torch for Women with Fistula
What is Obstetric Fistula?
One injury, countless barriers — and yet, a clear path to healing. An obstetric fistula is a hole in a woman’s birth canal caused by prolonged, obstructed labor. This devastating childbirth injury results in uncontrollable leakage of urine or feces and often leads to women being ostracized from their families and communities. But fistula is both entirely preventable and entirely treatable.
For decades, EngenderHealth has helped women reclaim their health, dignity, and futures through comprehensive, holistic fistula care—spanning prevention, surgical repair, and full social reintegration.
The Urgent Need: Fistula Services Cut by USAID Funding Termination
When support vanished, the need didn’t. Until early 2025, EngenderHealth provided the majority of U.S. government-funded fistula repairs worldwide. Now, no one does. The mass termination of USAID contracts in February 2025 abruptly ended critical fistula programs, leaving thousands of women without access to care. Ministries of Health, community workers, and patients were left scrambling.
Healing in a Time of Uncertainty
Swift action ensured surgeries continued, even after funding disappeared overnight. In Guinea, we were preparing to support a hospital to conduct fistula repairs for 21 women—building on years of partnership and planning. The beds were ready. The providers were trained. Women had made the long-awaited journey to the hospital and were waiting for care. And then, the stop work order from USAID came. Just like that, our funding was cut off.
We couldn’t let that be the end of the story. We went ahead with the surgeries in Guinea thanks to the generosity of our individual supporters. The women we reached are healing, thriving, and returning home with dignity.
Responding to this Urgent Need
A new commitment to holistic fistula care—from prevention to full reintegration. And so, even in the face of disruption, we continue. We continue to deliver essential care. We continue to advocate. And we continue to show up for communities too often overlooked or left behind.
Today, we’re inviting you to stand with us. EngenderHealth is hoping to raise $500,000 to revitalize the “full arc” of fistula programming: from prevention—including access to family planning—to repair, rehabilitation, and reintegration. We will focus this support where it is most needed, in West African countries like Guinea and Nigeria. With renewed support, we can reactivate community health promotion, mobilize the healthcare providers we’ve trained, and reach hundreds of women awaiting holistic fistula services.
How You Can Help Women Living with Fistula
Your support restores health, dignity, and hope for women waiting to heal. Help us carry the torch during this time when high-income country governments are retreating from their global health commitments. Pledge your support today. Every contribution helps restore health, dignity, and hope for women who deserve to heal—and to thrive.