The Musa Project Launches on International Day to End Obstetric Fistula to Restore Health and Dignity to Ugandan Women Living with Obstetric Fistula

A new nonprofit organization is launching with the goal of performing 2,000 fistula repair surgeries yearly to improve maternal health in Uganda. The Musa Project, based in San Diego, focuses on addressing obstetric fistula in Uganda through surgical care, medical training, and health infrastructure development. This initiative is being introduced on May 23rd, which is the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula. Obstetric fistula is a childbirth injury that can be prevented and often leaves women incontinent and marginalized. It remains a prevalent issue in many low-resource settings, including Uganda.

The Musa Project aims to alleviate the suffering caused by obstetric fistula in Uganda by providing free surgical repair and offering long-term prevention through medical training. Led by Associate Professor Musa Kayondo, the Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, the project conducts over 500 fistula surgeries annually and is working to expand treatment to three more hospitals. Professor Kayondo believes that with the right resources and determination, obstetric fistula can be eradicated.

The organization is currently raising funds to support various initiatives, including 2,000 fistula surgeries per year, establishing new women’s health wards in underserved regions, training programs to reduce new fistula cases, and providing comprehensive post-surgical care. The Musa Project, co-founded by Anastasia Tilbury Marks and Hal Tilbury, aims to amplify the voices of women and girls in Uganda and prioritize their healing and well-being. Donations to The Musa Project can be made on their website to support surgeries, equipment, training, and ongoing care.