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 GHS 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 this 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. This collaboration will focus on raising community awareness, providing medical care and surgical interventions, supporting the economic and social reintegration of survivors, and training healthcare professionals.

In addition to the immediate goals, the partnership will support the coordination of resources for fistula repair, secure logistics and supplies for treatment, mobilize further resources, and engage in advocacy to raise awareness on this issue.

Fidelity Bank’s involvement also extends to supporting the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula (IDEOF) and promoting related policy support and advocacy.

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.”

Boateng further underscored Fidelity Bank’s history of prioritizing maternal and child health, noting, “We’ve supported similar initiatives, such as the ongoing renovation of the Mother and Child Unit in Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, 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.”

Dr. Wilfred Ochan, UNFPA Country Representative for Ghana, expressed gratitude for Fidelity Bank’s support: “On behalf of the Ghana Health Service and the National Fistula Task Force, I extend our heartfelt appreciation to Fidelity Bank for their generous support in our ongoing efforts to end obstetric fistula in Ghana.

This cheque signifies not only a financial commitment but a partnership that speaks volumes about your dedication to women’s health and well-being. Fidelity Bank has been very supportive since the formation of the partnership and has shown tremendous commitment to the cause.”

Dr. Ochan highlighted the impact of this partnership, noting UNFPA’s contribution of over USD 70,000 for mobilizing, repairing, and reintegrating fistula survivors this year alone.

Additionally, UNFPA is collaborating with MOH/GHS and 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 we can create lasting change when we come together.

Fidelity Bank Ghana is committed to empowering communities through impactful partnerships and dedicated Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, particularly in the areas of health, education, and economic empowerment. The partnership with UNFPA to end obstetric fistula in Ghana is one of many long-term investments Fidelity Bank has made to support and uplift Ghanaian communities.