OUR PROGRAM
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Obstetric Fistula Prevention, Treatment, Rehabilitation and Reintegration Program
BAFROW’s Obstetric Fistula Prevention, Treatment, Rehabilitation and Reintegration Program is designed to protect women and girls from the physical, psychological and social consequences of the injury. At the same time, it supports The Gambia’s national commitment to contribute to the eradication of obstetric fistula within a generation.
Our comprehensive preventive and clinical services are provided through our Obstetric Fistula Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre in Mandinaba Village, the first of its kind in The Gambia.
We offer services in four areas: Prevention, Surgery, Rehabilitation and Reintegration.
Prevention
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House‑to‑house outreach promoting positive maternity practices to prevent obstetric fistula.
Information and Education
Our trained Community-Based Counsellors (CBCs) and Obstetric Fistula Support Groups lead awareness-raising activities to educate communities about maternity care, emphasizing the importance of antenatal care and comprehensive emergency obstetric and neonatal care (CEmONC), as well as enrolment in services at our Fistula Centre.
Specifically, they:
- Collaborate with BAFROW Family Clinics to hold health talks and one-to-one counselling on obstetric fistula and other reproductive health issues
- Facilitate interactive community dialogues to address stigma and develop measures to eliminate both the injury and its social consequences
- Conduct campaigns during national and international events such as the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula
- Engage policy makers through workshops and forums to improve access to maternal health facilities and services
- Use IEC materials—flipbooks, pictorial posters, fliers and t-shirts—to reinforce messages on safe maternal health practices and promote available treatment options at our centre
Clinical Services
At our health facilities, we provide quality antenatal and emergency obstetric care to reduce the risk of fistula and related complications. We offer special care to high-risk patients, including women and girls who have undergone FGM.
Doctor-patient counselling on risk factors is an integral part of these services, ensuring informed decision-making and safer outcomes.
Surgery
Women and girls enrolled in the program receive specialized surgical care at our Obstetric Fistula Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre, which is fully equipped with an operating theatre, recovery rooms and a ward for patient care.
Our skilled multidisciplinary team uses the latest instruments and techniques to repair fistula injuries. Depending on the severity, procedures may be performed as minimally invasive laparoscopic surgeries or as open surgeries.
Following surgery, patients are closely monitored to prevent infections and ensure fast, safe healing.
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Surgical repairs are carried out by a multidisciplinary team led by a Surgeon, a Urogynaecologist and an Obstetrician.
Rehabilitation
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A critical part of our program is to restore the quality of life of women and support their successful reintegration into the community.
Once patients recover from surgery, they are registered into the Rehabilitation component, where they continue to receive tailored post-surgery services including:
Post-Surgery Support
- Counselling and physiotherapy to promote healing and emotional recovery
- On-going medical follow-up to ensure long-term health and well-being
Economic Empowerment
- Training in income-generating skills (e.g. tailoring, baking, tie & dye, hairdressing, hennaing) to enable the women to contribute meaningfully within their communities and achieve economic independence
- Access to small loans and business opportunities to reduce household financial constraints and strengthen resilience
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We train women in income‑generating skills, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to their communities and achieve economic independence.
Functional Literacy and Leadership
- Short courses through our Functional Literacy Program on communication, counselling and business development/management
- Skills that prepare women to support income generation activities; participate as members of BAFROW’s Obstetric Fistula Support Group; and serve as thematic focal points for obstetric fistula information and counselling in their communities
Reintegration
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We foster independence and dignity by supporting survivors who choose to establish small businesses.
At the end of the program, we support the women in reuniting with their families, friends and communities, at the same time ensuring their return is both sustainable and empowering.
Key Support Measures
- Counselling and psychosocial support is maintained until reintegration is satisfactorily completed
- Monitoring of community engagement to ensure smooth transition and acceptance
- Provision of small loans to start businesses of their choice, fostering independence
- Technical support and evaluation of income-generating activities to strengthen sustainability
- Assistance in establishing saving schemes to promote financial security and resilience
Media
Title: Regaining Women’s Dignity – BAFROW’s comprehensive program to end obstetric fistula
Duration: 8 mins 59 secs
Production date: May 2018
Title: Obstetric Fistula Awareness
Duration: 1 min 22 secs
Production date: May 2018
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BAFROW
156, Mosque Road, Serrekunda,The Gambia
- +220 66 25 639, +220 37 73 500
- info@bafrow.org
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BAFROW Model Centre
Mandinaba Village, West Coast Region, The Gambia
- +220 37 00 783
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