Kenya
2021, was the 10-year Anniversary of Let’s End Fistula Initiative (LEFI), WFF’s local Kenyan partner. Sarah Omega, the founder and Executive Director of LEFI, leveraged her experience as a fistula survivor to develop programming to connect women to treatment, provide reintegration services, and provide prevention education.
History
In 2018, Seattle-based fistula organization One By One (OBO) joined forces with WFF. The good work started by OBO in Kenya is carried on under the WFF name. WFF and OBO merged naturally because programming for each has always been based on the same philosophy: beyond funding, strategically partner with local groups in low-resource countries to help locals address women’s healthcare needs. Together we serve women and girls suffering from childbirth injuries. Our Kenya programming — as well as all our other programs — continue to draw on the support and expertise of the Seattle community that originally developed and launched it.
Safe Motherhood: Preventing Obstetric Fistula
We believe fistula survivors are uniquely positioned to be powerful maternal health advocates who can make a vital contribution to end fistula. In 2018, WFF helped Sarah Omega, a fistula survivor who worked closely with OBO, establish Let’s End Fistula Initiative (LEFI) as its own NGO. WFF then helped Sarah and her team launch Safe Motherhood: Preventing Obstetric Fistula. LEFI developed its maternal health curriculum filled with best practices to prevent injury and save lives. LEFI trained its Regional Representatives on the curriculum in October of 2018. Y the end of 2022, 380 solidarity group members n 30 clubs, will teach Safe Mothershood in their communities.
Young Champions Fistula Club
In 2021, LEFI launched Young Champion Fistula Clubs to educate teenagers, ages 13 – 19. Today 108 teens in 9 Clubs safe motherhood and economic empowerment education to a younger audience.
Mwajuma Knows Safe Motherhood
She’s the proud mom of a bouncing baby girl, a trained Safe Motherhood advocate, and an obstetric fistula survivor. Mwajuma beams with confidence now, but it wasn’t long ago that many in her village called her a “curse.”
I’m looking forward to be a voice. I just want to give back what the program has given to me. I’m looking forward to serve the community and [be] a voice worldwide.
Mwajuma
To date, you have helped LEFI accomplish so much!
1,000+
Free surgeries to women suffering childbirth injuries
403
Fistula survivors received empowerment and social reintegration training
400
Small businesses run by fistula survivors and their solidarity groups
375,884
Community members reached for Safe Motherhood & Free Treatment
180
Community advocates trained
WFF believes solving global problems such as devastating childbirth injuries requires a commitment to collaborate with, support and develop local leaders like Sarah Omega.
Sarah Omega, Founder and Executive Director of the Let's End Fistula Initiative (LEFI) in Kenya uses her experience with childbirth injuries to seek out other women silently suffering and spread awareness of treatment.
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