Global Media Alliance Broadcasting Company (GMABC) through its assets; e.TV Ghana, Happy FM, and YFM across Accra, Kumasi and Takoradi have extended a helping hand to the fight against the prevalence of Obstetric Fistula (OBF) in Ghana.
Obstetric Fistula (OBF) is a condition that results from prolonged obstructed labour that leave women incontinent.
GMABC has developed tools such as infomercials, infographics and artworks to create awareness and promote action towards the prevention and treatment of OBF, a condition that affects many girls and women in developing countries including Ghana.
Speaking on the reasons for joining the fight to end OBF in Ghana, the Chief Director and Head of Communications of Global Media Alliance Group, Emma Wenani said:
‘’Obstetric Fistula (OBF) is one of the most serious and tragic injuries that can occur during childbirth. Women with fistula are often shunned by their communities, so as an organisation we would like to help and create awareness for OBF. A lot of people don’t know about OBF, women living with the condition may not know it is treatable. That is where we come in, to raise awareness and also advocate for better treatment of women living with OBF. In addition, this initiative is inline with our company’s ongoing health and sanitation month awareness campaign.
Currently, there are two main hospitals in Ghana which offer dedicated OBF care; Tamale Fistula Centre at Tamale Central Hospital in the Northern Region and Mercy Women’s Catholic Hospital, Mankessim in the Central Region. Both fistulae centres have one theatre and have to invite trained OBF surgeons, anaesthetists and sometimes theatre nurses from other institutions for OBF repair. The maximum bed capacity is forty (40) at the Mankessim centre and ten (10) in Tamale.’’
She encouraged everyone to engage with the organisation’s official hashtag on social media on the 23rd of May which is the day the United Nations has set aside for the observance of the International Day to end fistula.
Let us embrace women with Obstetric fistula and save them the humiliation rather than stigmatising and ostracizing them. Let us show them love and join hands to fight Obstetric Fistula now. All for one and one for all. On the 23rd of May, use the hashtag #GMABCAgainstFistula to drive change’’, she encouraged.
The cost of one fistula surgery is between GHc 2,300 and GHc 2900; the equivalent of $400 to $500. This is however, covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
Visit www.yfmghana.com, www.happyghana.com, and www.etvghana.com for more details on the GMA activities to end obstetric fistula in Ghana.