Charity of the week: The Fistula Foundation
The Fistula Foundation is dedicated to helping the huge backlog of patients who suffer from obstetric fistula.
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.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Scientists want to fight malaria by poisoning mosquitoes with human blood
Under the radar Drugging the bugs
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
Crossword: March 31, 2025
The Week's daily crossword
By The Week Staff Published
-
Sudoku medium: March 31, 2025
The Week's daily medium sudoku puzzle
By The Week Staff Published