Charity of the week: The Fistula Foundation

More than 500,000 women in the developing world suffer from obstetric fistula, a devastating childbirth injury that causes incontinence and can lead to a lifetime of shame and isolation. Because of the lack of clinics and trained doctors, fewer than 20,000 of these preventable and treatable injuries are repaired every year. The Fistula Foundation (fistulafoundation.org) is dedicated to helping the huge backlog of untreated patients by funding corrective surgeries, training surgeons, and providing supplies and new operating rooms in 19 countries in Africa and Asia. The foundation works closely with local partners to identify specific issues that need to be addressed for women to get help, such as lack of doctors, transportation, or education programs.

Each charity we feature has earned a four-star overall rating from Charity Navigator, which ranks not-for-profit organizations on the strength of their finances, their control of administrative and fund-raising expenses, and the transparency of their operations. Four stars is the group’s highest ranking.

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