Access Bank Ghana and UNFPA Renew Strategic Partnership to Combat Obstetric Fistula and Restore Women's Health

Access Bank Ghana PLC and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) have officially renewed their long-standing partnership aimed at eliminating obstetric fistula, a debilitating condition that affects hundreds of women across the country each year. This collaboration, which has been active since 2018, focuses on providing life-changing corrective surgeries, intensive advocacy, and public awareness campaigns to restore the health and dignity of survivors. By combining corporate social responsibility with international development expertise, the initiative seeks to bridge the significant gap in maternal healthcare services for vulnerable women. Regarding the bank’s ongoing commitment, Eugene Ocansey, the Executive Director for Retail and SME Banking at Access Bank, emphasized the institution’s dedication to supporting women who suffer from this preventable and treatable condition. Since the partnership's inception, the joint effort has successfully funded surgeries for over 300 women, allowing them to reintegrate into their communities without the stigma often associated with the ailment. The bank’s involvement extends beyond financial support, actively participating in advocacy to ensure that more women are aware that medical help is available and accessible. The scale of the challenge remains significant, as highlighted by Dr. Emily Naphambo, Deputy Representative of the UNFPA. Current data indicates that Ghana records between 700 and 1,200 new cases of obstetric fistula annually. Dr. Naphambo underscored the vital role of private sector intervention, noting that the current goal is to perform at least 200 surgical repairs every year. This target is part of a broader strategy to expand treatment access and significantly reduce the prevalence of the condition by 2030, ensuring that no woman is left to suffer in isolation. The renewal of this partnership represents a critical step toward achieving Ghana’s maternal health goals and upholding the reproductive rights of women. Beyond the operating room, the initiative fosters a supportive environment where survivors can regain their confidence and economic independence. As Access Bank and the UNFPA look toward 2030, their continued cooperation serves as a model for how public-private partnerships can effectively address deep-seated public health challenges and improve the lives of the most marginalized populations in society.