Dear Supporters,
I just returned from Uganda, where I attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the hospital. It took place March 2, 2018, on the six acres TERREWODE owns for the hospital (provided by you! - supporters of Uganda Fistula Fund for TERREWODE). Over 400 members of the community attended the outdoor celebration, held on a tented area where the hospital will be built.
Women who are fistula survivors, their families, community leaders, and members of Parliament joined in speeches, singing and dancing, which lasted from dawn to dusk. The Uganda flag raised, drummers played, children, women and men danced in celebration. Hundreds of chickens were prepared during the morning festivities, to be enjoyed at an outdoor feast for all our guests.
Great appreciation was expressed for the support of a hospital dedicated to repairing women suffering from a fistula. Supporters like yourself, who have together given over $1,500,000 to see a quality medical facility available for women who live on less than $1.00 a day.
Speakers talked about the importance of the hospital to the region, and how it will transform lives of hundreds of women every year. Uganda has a high maternal mortality and morbidity rate (over 400 per 100,000, compared to 42 per 100,000 in the US), and a very high obstetric fistula rate, with over 1,900 new cases a year. There's a lot of work to do, with hundreds of women waiting for help. The 30bed hospital will be able to provide 600 surgeries a year, plus care for women in the 30 bed rehabilitation unit. Prevention programs will be offered, and trained counselors will assist women in reentering their communities.
Everyone in attendance had the opportunity to celebrate, reflect, and take stock of this momentous time. We're looking forward to building on that energy and excitement as we see the progress of construction. The Soroti community, and the whole Teso Region, supports TERREWODE in building what appears to become the preeminent women's hospital in Africa. It will take time, but there is a solid start.
Thank you for supporting women's health. Please share our mission with your friends and family. The ground in Uganda is being cleared as I write this. The foundation will soon be laid. The bricks are ready. Each dollar raised now will have a huge impact, as it closes the campaign! We are grateful for your help in supporting women in Uganda.
Ways you can help:
Join us to raise the remaining $100,000 for the hospital campus to ensure that women receive the high quality reproductive healthcare that is desperately needed.
Thank you for sharing our vision!
Alice and the entire TERREWODE team send their heartfelt thanks to you from Soroti, Uganda.
Do you have questions? Comments? Contact me directly at 206-949-5136, in Seattle, Washington, or email me at showe@ugandafistulafund.org. I would love to hear from you.
In love and gratitude,
Sharon Howe
Ugada Fistula Fund for TERREWODE
President, Board of Directors