A physical trauma shakes the dignity of women.

"because of the stigma they experience from their body smell due to the condition, which usually forces them to leave the bus in the middle of their journey"

Hello Everyone-

I recently visited Ethiopia, the country I was born in.

During my visit, I had a chance to meet a childhood friend of mine, Dr. Ambay Welde Michael, who is a world-known Gynecology Surgeon with over 35 years of experience treating Fistula patients.

Obstetric fistula is one of the pelvic floor disorders that women experience during childbirth. Historically, Obstetric fistula was a global problem that has been eradicated from developed countries, but unfortunately, it is still a significant problem in developing countries. The occurrence of obstetric fistula is associated with poverty. The economic background of most fistula patients is among the poorest of the poor.

Even after having borrowed or begged for money to cover the transportation expenses, which they could not afford, patients find it very difficult to take a public bus because of the stigma they experience from their body smell due to the condition, which usually forces them to leave the bus in the middle of their journey to the nearest clinics.

These poor fistula patients desperately need transportation solutions to reach the treatment centers and receive life-saving obstetric fistula treatment. A four-wheel drive vehicle is the most apparent solution to help these patients get to treatment facilities from their remote villages, which usually have no paved roads or public transportation.

Fistula Patients Service Provider, NGO

Hope of Light Civil Society Organization

Yeka Kifle Ketema Woreda 11

CMC Michael, Hasset building

4th floor #402

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

website: hopeoflightcso.org

I am asking your help to raise $30,000, so we can deliver them one four-wheeler.

Thank you,

Belete Alemu