Fidelity Bank, Ghana’s largest privately-owned indigenous bank, has partnered with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to support the Partnership to End Fistula in Ghana (PEFIG).
The Bank has made an initial contribution of GH¢ 50,000 towards the seven-year partnership, which aims to prevent, treat, and reintegrate women affected by obstetric fistula.
Obstetric fistula is a devastating injury that often results from prolonged and obstructed labour. It can lead to incontinence, infection, and social stigma.
Despite being preventable and treatable, many women in Ghana continue to suffer from the condition due to limited access to quality maternal healthcare.
Through the PEFIG initiative, Fidelity Bank and UNFPA aim to address obstetric fistula through prevention, treatment, reintegration, and capacity building, a statement copied to Ghana News Agency said.
The collaboration will focus on raising community awareness, providing medical care and surgical interventions, supporting economic and social reintegration of survivors, and training healthcare professionals.
The partnership will also support the coordination of resources for fistula repair, secure logistics and supplies for treatment, mobilise further resources, and engage in advocacy to raise awareness on this issue.
Fidelity Bank’s involvement also includes supporting the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula (IDEOF) and promoting related policy support and advocacy.
Mr Kwabena Boateng, Deputy Managing Director, Wholesale Banking, Fidelity Bank, highlighted the importance of the initiative.
“Our commitment to this partnership with UNFPA to end obstetric fistula in Ghana reflects our deep-rooted belief in supporting maternal and child health.
“This partnership addresses both the medical needs of women affected by obstetric fistula and the essential reintegration and empowerment aspects, helping them regain dignity and economic independence.
“Our initial contribution of GHS 50,000 is only the beginning, as we are dedicated to supporting this cause in the long term,” he stated.
Mr Boateng also underscored Fidelity Bank’s history of prioritising maternal and child health, pointing to similar initiatives, such as the ongoing renovation of the Mother and Child Unit in Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi.
“We are fully invested in supporting this cause long-term, knowing that there is no immediate end to this work. By focusing on prevention, we aim to reduce the need for treatment over time, creating a sustainable impact for the future,” he added.
Dr. Wilfred Ochan, UNFPA Country Representative for Ghana, thanked Fidelity Bank for the support and praised Fidelity Bank’s commitment to the cause since the formation of the partnership.
Highlighting the impact of the project, he said UNFPA had contributed more than US$ 70,000 for mobilising, repairing, and reintegrating fistula survivors this year alone.
He added that UNFPA was collaborating with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to renovate the Tamale Fistula Centre.
“Fidelity Bank’s support is a vital piece of this collective effort, and we are grateful for your role in bringing hope to countless women affected by fistula. Your commitment reinforces the belief that when we come together, we can create lasting change,” Mr Ochan said.
The Banks partnership with UNFPA to end obstetric fistula in Ghana is one of its many long-term investments made to support and uplift Ghanaian communities.
