One By One Programs
Let’s End Fistula is a bold initiative that is changing the fistula landscape in Western Kenya. We bring together in-country and international organizations to work together with shared vision and commitment toward a single common goal: end fistula in this region. We have developed an innovative and powerful approach that utilizes former fistula patients as leaders and educators that perform the education and outreach essential for finding women with fistula who are deeply isolated. Free of charge, every patient is offered: round-trip transport, surgical treatment and reintegration support services. We also provide vital prevention services for pregnant women and families. Our goal is build a replicable model for ending fistula in other regions.
Our Youth Club in Kenya has 37 student leaders. These students go through culturally appropriate education about fistula treatment and prevention. The Club members are trained in advocacy, leadership and outreach and then they educate their peer groups and adults about fistula, finding patients, along with providing vital education about resisting early marriage and FGM, and safe childbirth planning.
Our Young Global Leaders Program connects junior high and high school students from Seattle-area schools to complex global health issues facing women. We aim to spread the word about obstetric fistula and create a movement around global and maternal health, gender equality and development.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
Recent Success
Our team of 30 Regional Representatives (rurally- based, fistula survivors-turned-leaders) carried out 1,628 education sessions in communities throughout Western Kenya, reaching 131,000 people with critical information about obstetric fistula and the availability of free treatment. They found 643 women with fistula. 360 women received holistic, life-transforming fistula treatment, including round-trip transport, psychosocial care, and reintegration support from our Regional Representatives when they returned home.
Current Needs
- Surgery Funding - Each fistula surgery costs $500. Our goal is to treat 300 women in 2013 = $134,000 for the year.
- Outreach Funding - To train, equip and support each of our 30 Regional Representatives costs $1,500 for the entire year or $45,000 total.
- Patient Transport Funding - To transport each patient, round-trip to care costs $30 per patient. To meet our goal of 300 patients will cost $9,000 for 2013.
- Leadership Training for Frontline Health Workers - To keep our program growing and progressing with highest level of service and data collection and monitoring we conduct regular leadership trainings. For 2013 our training costs are $15,000.