Charity Golf Tournament to Restore Women Dignity

The Karen Country Club hosted a charity golf tournament – The Fistula Challenge on Friday, November 24 sponsored by the British Chamber of Commerce (BCCK), Rotary Clubs of Kenya and Amref Health Africa to raise over Kshs 5 million for reconstructive surgery for women living with complications from obstetric fistula.

“All proceeds from the charity golf tournament will directly support Amref Health Africa’s fistula programme which aims to improve the quality of life for women with debilitating childbirth injuries through surgical interventions and community interventions to prevent obstetric fistula,” said Dr Meshack Ndirangu, Country Director Amref Health Africa in Kenya.

The Rotary Club of Nairobi Industrial Area, Rotary Club of Karen, Rotary club of Muthaiga North, Rotary Club of Hurlingham and the Rotary Club of Parklands are some of the clubs which participated in the tournament.

The tournament attracted over 160 golf players and at least 30 Corporate Sponsors. The District Governor Elect, Rotarian Jeff Bamford, and BCCK Chair, Mr. Graham Shaw also participated in the tournament.

It is estimated that over 3,000 women each year in Kenya experience obstetric fistula, a hole in the birth canal caused by obstructed or prolonged labour and lack of access to skilled health care. Obstetric fistula is a debilitating condition, often causing women to be isolated and to feel ashamed.

Amref Health Africa’s obstetric fistula programme, established in 1992, aims at improving the quality of life for women with debilitating childbirth injuries through surgical interventions and community interventions to prevent the condition.