Access Bank Ghana and UNFPA Partner to Launch Fistula Trust Fund Aiming for 2030 Elimination

Access Bank (Ghana) Plc has formalised its commitment to maternal health by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to combat obstetric fistula. This strategic partnership centres on the launch of the Fistula Trust Fund, a dedicated financial vehicle designed to mobilise resources for corrective surgeries and the comprehensive rehabilitation of affected women across the country. By formalising this collaboration, both organisations aim to scale up existing efforts to restore the health and dignity of women suffering from this preventable but debilitating condition.

The initiative represents a significant scaling of Access Bank's corporate social responsibility efforts, as the bank has been an active participant in the campaign against obstetric fistula since 2018. To date, the bank's involvement has already facilitated over 250 successful surgeries, providing a new lease on life for women who often face severe social stigmatisation and physical hardship. Beyond funding medical procedures, the partnership focuses on intensive public awareness campaigns to educate communities and reduce the stigma associated with fistula, while ensuring survivors receive the necessary psychological and socio-economic support for reintegration.

Looking forward, the partnership has set an ambitious target of repairing approximately 2,499 obstetric fistula cases annually, with the ultimate objective of eliminating the condition in Ghana by 2030. This target aligns with broader national and global health goals regarding maternal well-being and reproductive rights. Both Access Bank and the UNFPA emphasised that achieving these milestones requires a robust multi-sectoral approach, calling on the government, development partners, and other private sector entities to join the movement. This collaborative framework is viewed as essential for building a sustainable healthcare response that prioritises the dignity and health of Ghanaian women.