Alifonsina is now free from fistula following surgery at our Fistula Care Centre in Malawi

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Binta is now free from fistula following surgery at our Fistula Care Centre in Sierra Leone

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Linesi is now free from fistula following surgery at our Fistula Care Centre in Malawi

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Stella (right) is now free from fistula following surgery at our Fistula Care Centre in Malawi

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Rosina is now free from fistula following surgery at our Fistula Care Centre in Madagascar

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Fanny is now free from fistula following surgery at our Fistula Care Centre in Malawi

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Leticia is now free from fistula following surgery at our Fistula Care Centre in Malawi

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Lezina is now free from fistula following surgery at our Fistula Care Centre in Malawi

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Philipina is now free from fistula following surgery at our Fistula Care Centre in Malawi

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Solofina is now free from fistula following surgery at our Fistula Care Centre in Malawi

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Viviane is now free from fistula following surgery at our Fistula Care Centre in Malawi

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Viviane is now free from fistula following surgery at our Fistula Care Centre in Madagascar

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Floriane is now free from fistula following surgery at our Fistula Care Centre in Madagascar

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Nafiny is now free from fistula following surgery at our Fistula Care Centre in Madagascar

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Vaviasy is now free from fistula following surgery at our Fistula Care Centre in Madagascar

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Damo is now free from fistula following surgery at our Fistula Care Centre in Madagascar

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Sophie is now free from fistula following surgery at our Fistula Care Centre in Madagascar

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Claudia is now free from fistula following surgery at our Fistula Care Centre in Madagascar

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Roseline is now free from fistula following surgery at our Fistula Care Centre in Madagascar

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Angel is now free from fistula following surgery at our Fistula Care Centre in Madagascar

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Adeline is now free from fistula following surgery at our Fistula Care Centre in Madagascar

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Staff at our Aberdeen Women's Centre performed a miracle, saving mother and baby, in January 2023.

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Agness (44) was married at the age of 15 and lived with fistula for 5 years.

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Following the birth of her first child Christina developed an obstetric fistula and devastatingly lost the baby. Christina lived with fistula for 12 years.

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Gazetola was married at the age of 18 and for 30 years lived with obstetric fistula.

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Ireen was married at the age of 18 and had lived with fistula for 10 years before seeking treatment at our Fistula Care Centre in Malawi.

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"I am very grateful for everything that FCC has done for me.  Living in the village was hard for me as I was living in poverty and I had fistula.  Other women that were facing the same challenges like me have died without getting any treatment.  I would have died.  I am grateful for transforming my life and making me whole again."

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"I am very grateful that FCC for curing me.  Without the centre I would not be where I am.  Words fail me to express how I feel.  You transformed my life."

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Alberta, one of our former teenage girls who worked at AWC in the morning and took classes at our Skills Training program in the afternoon has recently started university for the 4-year Batchelor of Technology Programme. We are so proud!

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Kadiatu is one of our teenage moms. She was 17 years old when she safely delivered a baby girl at our Aberdeen Women's Centre.

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Fatu is a former fistula patient who returned in April 2021 to Aberdeen Women's Centre in Sierra Leone to safely deliver twins by C-Section

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Joyce was one of the first fistula patients welcomed back to the Fistula Care Centre in April 2021 following it's suspension of services during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Olipa was one of the first fistula patients welcomed back to the Fistula Care Centre in April 2021 following it's suspension of services during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Mary was one of the first fistula patients welcomed back to the Fistula Care Centre in April 2021 following it's suspension of services during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Falida was one of the first fistula patients welcomed back to the Fistula Care Centre in April 2021 following it's suspension of services during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Olga (39) lived with obstetric fistula for 13 years before finding healing at our Fistula Care Centre in Madagascar.

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Murielle is proud to have joined the Fistula Care Centre in Madagascar as a former patient ambassador, to help us find women in need of care.

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Zarasoa is a young mother from Mananjary who suffered an obstetric fistula during the birth of her 2nd child.

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Lucia developed an obstetric fistula giving birth to her first baby, now she's home, healed and working on a micro enterprise initiative to help earn money to build her family a home.

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I wonder how I would have survived without AWC.  Family members abandoned me but AWC took care of me. God bless AWC.” 18 year old Ramatu safely delivered triplets at our Aberdeen Women's Centre in Sierra Leone

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Catherine suffered from obstetric fistula for 32 years.  Now she is fistula FREE!

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Young mum Susan safely delivered her baby at Aberdeen Women's Centre in 2020 and is now training to be a tailor as part of our Dream Girls and Hostel initiative.

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Memunatu is one of the young mother's being cared for by Aberdeen Women's Centre in Sierra Leone

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Ralina (17) came to our Fistula Care Centre very poorly with an obstetric fistula and drop foot. 

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Stelia suffered with obstetric fistula for 14 years before finding healing and empowerment at our Fistula Care Centre in Malawi.  Stelia is now an entrepreneur with a thriving phone charging business, is part of our reusable sanitary pad project, has a seamstress business and is putting her 5 children through school

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Chikondi felt isolated and sad until she received healing at our Fistula Care Centre in Malawi

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Anicka suffered from obstetric fistula for 8 years before seeking treatment at our Fistula Care Centre in Madagascar in 2021.

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Mesetina was forced to marry at the age of 10 to a man 3 times her age and because she was so young she was unable to safely deliver her 1^st baby, which resulted in her losing the baby and living with fistula for 19 years! Being free of fistula was a step to freedom, since then she has flourished and been able to put the past behind her.

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Elesi suffered with obstetric fistula for 16 years before receiving surgery at our Fistula Care Centre in Malawi.

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"I am fistula free and I have been empowered by the Centre.  I am an independent woman who can support my family and I will never be poor again".  Elizabeth is fistula free following surgery at our Centre in Malawi.  She is also part of our reusable sanitary pad and solar charging station project.  Business is booming and has enabled Elizabeth to put her children through school and to buy enough bricks to build a safe home for her family.

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Linesi suffered with obstetric fistula for 21 years following the birth of her 4th child.  Now she is fistula FREE.

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“I never thought I could gain so much from suffering from fistula. In a way this has been a blessing to me because I have a few businesses that the Fistula Care Centre made possible for me. I am grateful to Freedom From Fistula for all the things they have done for me and for curing me.  I am fistula free and I have peace in my life.  Please continue the good work you are doing, you have transformed my life. God bless you always”

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Emily was treated for fistula in 2014 and trained as a patient ambassador at the Fistula Care Centre in Malawi in 2018.

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Eunice suffered with obstetric fistula for 21 years before finding healing and empowerment at our Fistula Care Centre in Malawi.  She says “I am so thankful to the fistula team for curing me from fistula. I am now an independent woman and you have transformed my life.  I used to be an outcast and living in poverty when I had fistula and that’s no more. God bless you and continue the good work you are doing.”

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Fryness was treated for fistula in 2014 and trained as a patient ambassador at the Fistula Care Centre in Malawi in 2015.

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After suffering from obstetric fistula for 16 years and finally finding healing and empowerment at our Fistula Care Centre in Malawi, Fryness says “I am grateful to Freedom From Fistula for transforming my life.  You have helped me to start 2 businesses. I am able to provide food for my family. You have brought peace and joy back to my life. God bless you always"

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Patuma was treated for fistula and trained as a patient ambassador at the Fistula Care Centre in Malawi in 2016.

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Corida lived with obstetric fistula for 10 years before finding healing and empowerment at our Fistula Care Centre in Malawi.  Corida now runs two small enterprises as part of our reusable sanitary pad project and our solar charging station project.  Together with her husband Corida also works as a patient ambassador and has bought 25 women suffering from fistula to us for treatment.

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Kennedy works at our Fistula Care Centre in Malawi, sponsored in 2017 by UNFPA to train in obstetric fistula care.

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"Disability is a matter of perception. If you can do just one thing well, you are needed by someone."  Isata was treated for malaria to protect her unborn baby while receiving maternal health care at our Aberdeen Women's Centre in Sierra Leone.  To our utter joy, her beautiful baby girl was safely delivered in our maternity ward and Isata returned home with her baby and a wheelchair to assist her mobility.

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“My  favourite things to make are pancakes and puff cakes. I love catering and cooking, and hope to work in the hotel business someday.”  Mary joined the Dream Girls programme at our Aberdeen Women's Centre and safely gave birth to her beautiful baby.  Mary has loved making friends and learning new skills in the class every week and has since joined our Hostel Girls’ Programme, where she has had the opportunity to learn skills like catering, hospitality and housekeeping.

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Staff at the Aberdeen Women’s Centre (AWC), a busy hospital caring for women and children for free, see Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) on a daily basis. Based on statistics ranging from 2008 to 2019, 89% of AWC’s fistula patients and 65% of AWC’s maternity patients have FGM. With the data on FGM being sparse in Sierra Leone, the information AWC collects is vital to gain a picture of the prevalence.  It is important we remember stories like 5 year old Marie’s and serve as advocates for a safer environment in which women and girls can live.

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Teacher saw something in me and that’s why she encouraged me to join the Hostel Girls. I am so glad I did. I never want to leave.” Young mum Mabinty safely delivered her baby boy at our Aberdeen Women's Centre in Sierra Leone.  As part of our Dream Girls Project Mabinty was invited to stay at our Hostel to help her get on her feet. She enjoys the camaraderie of the hostel and has made lifelong friends in addition to learning cooking, catering, and cleaning skills. Mabinty’s dream is to one day become a doctor and for her son to become a nurse.

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Married at just 15 years old, Mary was pregnant with her fourth child at the age of just 27. During her final delivery she developed an obstetric fistula.  Mary heard on the radio about the Fistula Care Centre in Malawi and since receiving treatment is now free from fistula.

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Alice suffered an obstetric fistula following the birth of her 4th child.  While at our Fistula Care Centre in Malawi Alice acquired new skills and knowledge from the classes she was attending while receiving treatment. Since leaving the centre she has started her own small business selling products she learned to make during her stay.  

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Julita suffered with an obstetric fistula for 19 years following the birth of her 7th child.  Since receiving treatment at our Fistula Care Centre in Malawi, Julia is now free from fistula.

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Jana suffered with an obstetric fistula for 16 years after delivering her second child.  Since receiving treatment at our Fistula Care Centre in Malawi, Jana is now free from fistula.

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85-year-old Magalena received treatment at Freedom from Fistula Care Centre in Lilongwe, Malawi after being referred to us through her village health centre. Unfortunately, she had advanced incurable cervical cancer. We worked with our palliative care colleagues and arranged for her to go home for end of life care. Before she was discharged, we had the good fortune to sit down with her and her husband, Sandram Phiri, and listen to their life story.

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Deborah suffered for 2 years with an obstetric fistula following the birth of her first child.  Since receiving treatment at our Fistula Care Centre in Malawi, Deborah is free from fistula and dreams of building her own house in the future.

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Catherine suffered with an obstetric fistula for 14 years.  After receiving treatment at our Fistula Care Centre in Malawi she is finally free from fistula.

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Charline developed a fistula during her first pregnancy, aged just 16 years old. Following successful surgery at our Fistula centre in Madagascar, Charline says " I want to encourage others because I believe there is always hope".

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Married at 16, Annie suffered with an Obstetric Fistula for 30 years after the birth of her 7th child.  For decades Annie faced isolation and ongoing health issues.  Since coming to our Fistula Care Centre in Malawi Annie's life has completely turned around.

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Isatu arrived at the Aberdeen Women’s Centre severely malnourished, dehydrated, suffering from infected wounds and a double fistula following a tortuous 5 day labour and the death of her baby.  She was unable to walk because the nerves in her legs were badly damaged. After 9 months of care, Isatu was finally healthy enough to be repaired. 

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Faliyeti lived with her obstetric fistula for 14 years after her 7th pregnancy.  During her rehabilitation after surgery at the Fistula Care Centre in Malawi Faliyeti learned to sew a blanket from the knitted squares donated by supporters in the UK as part of the Big Knit Challenge.

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Rebecca suffered for 4 years with an obstetric fistula.  Following treatment at our Fistula Care Centre in Malawi she is now fistula free.  Rebecca was also the recipient of a BBoxx and has used the money earned from the Bboxx business of charging phones to open a small grocery store where she sells items, alongside these two business she also makes and sells donuts. 

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Esnarte is 32 and before coming to our centre had lived with an obstetric fistula for 11 years following the birth of her first child.  After hearing about the Fistula Care Centre in Malawi over the radio she came for treatment and is now free from fistula.

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Hawa was 14 when she married and only 15 when she fell pregnant with her second child.  During delivery Hawa developed an obstetric fistula and suffered for 6 years until coming to the Aberdeen Women's Centre in Sierra Leone for treatment.

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Saholy was the first patient to receive treatment at our newly opened fistula centre in Madagascar.

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Abie was 16 years old when she fell pregnant.  Abie was in labor for 4 days and by the time she arrived at hospital to give birth had sadly lost the baby and developed a fistula.  The hospital referred Abie to AWC in May 2017 and following treatment for both the fistula and 'drop foot' she is now free from fistula.

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16 year old Ami suffers from severe Kyphosis, making pregnancy both painful and challenging.  Thanks to AWC providing free maternity care in the area, Ami has been able to give birth to a beautiful baby girl by successful c-section.

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26 year old Aminata developed an obstetric fistula following the birth of her second child.  After 5 hours of labour Aminata sadly lost the baby.  Following successful surgery in May 2017 Aminata is now free from fistula.  

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Pregnant at just 15, Elisiane laboured for 6 days before giving birth to a still born baby.  She developed an obstetric fistula and suffered shame, ridicule and discomfort for 4 years.  Elisiane made her way to our Fistula Care Centre in Madagascar and is now free from fistula.

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22 year old Rubia from the Machinga District in Malawi developed an obstetric fistula after her first pregnancy.  Rubia labored for two days resulting in the tragic loss of her baby.  Since receiving surgery at our Fistula Care Centre, Rubia is now free from fistula.

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21 year old Wetu from the Liwonde District in Malawi developed an obstetric fistula during the birth of her first child.  The baby was too big for her to deliver and by the time the hospital operated, it was too late and sadly the baby died.  Since receiving treatment at our Fistula Care Centre Wetu is free from Fistula and give thanks that she is now an independent woman.

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27 year old Eliza developed a fistula during delivery of her last baby.  Ostracised because of the smell Eliza is now fistula free following surgery at our Fistula Care Centre in Malawi.

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I am so thankful to the fistula team from the founder to the entire family of fistula care centre for tireless support they did to me, may the almight Allah bless you all and continue doing these to other so that Malawi should be fistula free.

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Blessing is a 16-year-old girl who delivered a beautiful baby girl at our Aberdeen Women's Centre in Sierra Leone in January 2020. Her story is one of sadness and shows the engrained misinformation around sexual and gender based violence and the age of consent in Sierra Leone.

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Mabel lost 12 members of her family during the Ebola crisis.  Finding herself a single mother to be, she safely delivered a beautiful baby girl at our Aberdeen Women's Centre in Sierra Leone and was invited to join our Dream Girls and Hostel Program..  Now fully trained following her internship, Mabel is entering the job market an independent woman able to support her little girl.

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Mr Turay’s story and commitment shows the important role men can play in women’s sexual and reproductive health care. Strategically engaging men in advocacy efforts around women’s health has been seen to have demonstrated long term impacts. Mr Turay is a fantastic example of a male advocate for women’s rights and AWC are proud to work alongside him.

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Mary was discharged dry following fistula surgery during our March 2020 Fistula Camp at our AWC in Sierra Leone. She celebrated her recovery by dancing and singing in a Gladi Gladi ceremony with twenty other recovered fistula patients. Mary went back to her community with a renewed sense of confidence in addition to a new dress, handmade by the AWC tailor, a dignity pack and an AWC contact card, in case she should ever need AWC’s services again.

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Ngaima traveled to the Aberdeen Women’s Centre (AWC) from a rural village in the Bombali District, in northern Sierra Leone, in order to fix an obstetric fistula and resulting incontinence that she has suffered from for sixteen years.

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Mama Baindu suffered with an obstetric fistula for more than 20 years before seeking treatment at our Aberdeen Women's Centre.  Following 1:1 counselling in our care Mama Baindu is now working as a patient ambassador, to help other women suffering in her community.

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"Thanks to God for my healing, I am leaving happy.  Thank you to Dr. Ennet for her patience and love she has for the patients.  Thank you to the counsellor Amy for the empathy she has for patients.I thank everyone at AWC more especially Alexandra for her support and love to every patient.  I thank the Domestics staff for preparing food.  May God bless everyone that shares the pains and difficult moments I have had."

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After suffering with an obstetric fistula for 9 years, abandoned by her family and friends, Mabinty is now fistula free!

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Teenage mother Hawanatu regains her confidence after joining the Dream and Hostel Girls Programmes.  Hawanatu also received counselling from AWC’s on-site Counselor and Social Worker, who diagnosed her with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and helped her implement coping mechanisms.

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Sixteen year old Marie found a sense of family and security after joining the Hostel Girls Programme at our Aberdeen Women's Centre in Sierra Leone following the birth of her beautiful baby.

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On Wednesday 29^th April 2020, triplets were born at AWC! Their mother Aminata gave birth to three bouncing boys. Aminata already has 2 children, who are both boys, so she now has her hands full with 5 boys!  Aminata and her boys was discharged on 3^rd May 2020 and the triplets and mum are doing well. On discharge she was given some baby clothes and blankets from AWC.

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