Uberstar
Charitable Associations
Fistula Foundation – www.fistulafoundation.org
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Fistula Facts
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Fistula used to be
present in the U.S. and Europe, but was largely eliminated in the latter part
of the 19th century and early 20th century with improved obstetric care in
general and the use of c-sections in particular to relieve obstructed labour.
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The World Health
Organization estimates that approximately 2 million women have untreated
fistula and that approximately 100,000 women develop fistula each year.
Fistula is most prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.
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In Ethiopia,
alone, there are an estimated 100,000 women suffering with untreated fistula,
and another 9,000 women who develop fistula each year.
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Less than 6 in 10
women in developing countries give birth with any trained professional, such as
a midwife or a doctor. In Ethiopia, only 1 in 10 women have a trained
attendant. When complications arise, as they do in approximately 15% of
all births, there is no one available to treat the woman, leading to disabling
injuries like fistula, and even death.
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The root causes of
fistula are grinding poverty and the low status of women and girls. In
Ethiopia, the poverty and malnutrition in children contributes to the condition
of stunting, where the girl skeleton, and therefore pelvis as well, do not
fully mature. This stunted condition can contribute to obstructed labour,
and therefore fistula.
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But, fistula is
both preventable and treatable. The Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital has
treated over 30,000 women over 33 years. Their cure rate is over
90%. Fistula can be prevented if labouring women are provided with
adequate emergency obstetric care when
Uberstar is also proud to support
the following local schools and kindergartens:
Richmond
Primary School
Richmond
Creche and Kindergarten
Dame
Nellie Melba Kindergarten