Dr. Itengre Ouedraogo — Burkina Faso
Founder of ARENA, WFF’s local partner in Burkina Faso. FIGO Certified fistula surgeon.
WFF funds and works closely with Dr. Itengré and ARENA to develop holistic fistula treatment, prevention education, and economic empowerment programming for women in Burkina Faso. Most recently, Dr Itengre championed the construction and opening of a dedicated fistula center with comprehensive services: surgeries, survivor reintegration services, advocate training, and medical training.
Alice Emasu — Uganda
Executive Director of Terrewode and local Ugandan Partner.
In 2019 Alice fulfilled her dream of opening the Terrewode Women’s Community Hospital (TWCH). Through TWCH and community-based programs, Terrewode delivers free surgeries, prevention education, social reintegration, and empowerment programs. This holistic model of care helps women rebuild their lives and rejoin their communities after childbirth injury. Alice is currently building physical therapy programming.
Sarah Omega — Kenya
Executive Director of Let’s End Fistula Initiative (LEFI) and local Kenya partner.
Led by fistula survivor Sarah Omega, LEFI empowers women through solidarity groups for mutual support in social reintegration and economic empowerment after surgical treatment. Sara developed its Safe Motherhood curriculum filled with best practices to avoid injuries and save lives. She recently launched a prevention education program for adolescents and teens.
Danja Fistula Center — Niger
Considered the finest fistula hospital in West Africa, Niger’s Danja Fistula Center offers comprehensive services to women suffering from childbirth injuries. Opened in 2012 in partnership with SIM, DFC Niger restores women’s emotional health through 1:1 counseling and group counseling with other survivors. In addition to accessing free surgeries, women at DFC Niger may choose educational classes and vocational skills training that empowers them to earn income.
Ethiopia — Mekelle University
Dr. Melaku, Director of Urogynecology Fellowship, Mekelle University
Since 2013, our local partner for in-country African medical education programming has been the College of Health Sciences at Mekelle University in Ethiopia. Dr Melaku, Urogynecology Fellowship graduate, is now the program Director. He develops the curriculum to increase local medical expertise in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. Graduating Fellows return to their community and provide treatment to women suffering from childbirth injuries beyond fistula and also use their training to teach skills to others.