How a cuppa could help mums in Africa
A Buxton woman who has witnessed first hand how a small charity is helping women in Sierra Leone is raising funds to support its work.
Patty Hoskin visited the African country twice last year to help the charity and now, with friends, is hosting a coffee morning, to support the day-to-day activities so that the essential work can continue.
The West Africa Fistula Foundation (WAFF) was set up to help women who suffer from constant, non-controllable leaking of urine.
The condition is due to a lack of obstetric and gynaecological care when pregnant women can spend between two and 15 days in labour.
Patty said: “Because of this awful condition the women affected are often ostracized by the communities that they live in and husbands, in many cases, abandon them to fend for themselves.”
The charity has set-up a specialist unit to provide not only badly needed surgical treatment, but also to train and support a local team to provide proper care and treatment.
She said: “While this is a terrible condition it is one that, with suitable resources, much can be done to alleviate the suffering and distress of the women affected.”
Women on the ‘Fistula’ ward at Bo Hospital, Sierra Leone typically stay from between six to nine months.
Local staff have created a full daily program, including basic literacy, to help the women so that after treatment they can re-enter their villages with dignity and good self-esteem.
The coffee morning is to be held at Fairfield Methodist Church, Fairfield Road, Buxton on Friday March 23 from 10am to 12 noon.
Easter gifts, pre-loved clothes, cakes and much more will be on sale.
Everyone is welcome to attend to see more about the vital work of WAFF. Entry is free.
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Weather for Buxton
Sunday 19 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 10 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
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