Obuobia Darko-Opoku urges partnerships to expand medical fund awareness

Access Bank Ghana supports obstetric fistula repairs in Zabzugu

Access Bank Ghana, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Ghana Health Service (GHS), has launched an initiative to provide surgical repairs and social reintegration for obstetric fistula survivors in the Zabzugu District. The collaboration addresses a critical maternal health challenge that often leaves affected women suffering from chronic physical pain and severe social isolation. By combining medical intervention with psychological and social support, the program aims to restore the dignity of women who have faced years of stigma. The impact of the initiative is already being felt by survivors like Seidu Amina and Dana Juliana, who reported reclaiming their lives after receiving treatment. Their stories reflect a broader health need in the Zabzugu District, which recorded multiple suspected cases of the condition throughout 2024 and 2025. Obstetric fistula typically occurs during prolonged, obstructed labor without timely medical intervention, resulting in a hole between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum. The project focuses on identifying these suspected cases and providing the necessary surgical interventions to close the injuries. To ensure the long-term sustainability of these efforts, Access Bank Ghana has established the Fistula Trust Fund. This fund is designed to provide ongoing financial and medical assistance for survivors, covering the costs of surgeries and supporting reintegration strategies to help women return to their communities. The bank is encouraging the public to contribute to the trust fund, with the goal of expanding the reach of the program to more women across the Northern Region and beyond. In addition to medical treatment, the partnership is focused on an extensive public awareness campaign to dismantle the misconceptions and stigma surrounding the condition. The Ghana Health Service and its partners are working to foster community understanding, emphasizing that obstetric fistula is a treatable medical condition rather than a source of shame. Moving forward, the initiative plans to enhance early detection efforts and provide a comprehensive support system that includes both physical recovery and the social empowerment of survivors.