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Current projects in East Africa

HER DIGNITY FUND

Every woman matters.

Providing lifesaving maternal healthcare & fistula repair in remote Africa

Around the world, approximately 800 women die every day from birth-related injuries such as fistula. More than half of these are in sub-Saharan Africa. The Barbara May Foundation funds projects that provide dignity and safety for underprivileged women in birth.

Established in 2009, the Barbara May Foundation (BMF) provides funding to Australian medical professionals Valerie Browning AM and Dr Andrew Browning AM initiating and managing projects in remote East Africa (Tanzania, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Northern Uganda) that relieve the high incidence of death and extreme injury such as fistula in pregnancy and childbirth. They provide safety, dignity and hope. Maternal healthcare and medical services are provided at no cost, regardless of race or religion.

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New mothers, new babies and families together. This is what fistula prevention looks like. 

(Part 2 of our unofficial behind-the-scenes tour at our partner hospital, Kivulini Maternity Centre!)

@maternityafrica 
#endfistula #fistulatreatment #womenshealth #maternalhealth #birthstory #midwifery

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What challenges are women from nomadic tribes in Ethiopia facing during childbirth?

Valerie Browning AM, also known as Maalika (‘Queen’) by the local Afar peoples, gives us a quick update.

Today is International Day of Rural Women 🧡 Join us in ensuring women from remote and rural areas of East Africa can access lifesaving maternal healthcare: https://barbaramayfoundation.com/how-can-i-help/ 

#APDA #MaternalHealth #womenshealth #pregnancyandlabour #australiancharity #midwifery #internationaldayofruralwomen

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Today is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. We’d like to pause and offer a moment of remembrance and prayer for the women we serve who have lost babies. In Africa, many pregnancy and infant losses could be avoided if women simply had access to safe, skilled, resourced maternal healthcare services. 

Please take a moment, and then leave a white heart 🤍 in the comments for the mothers and families who will forever hold their lost babies in their hearts.

#fistula #maternalhealth #womenshealth #pregnancy #infantlossawareness  #stillbornstillloved #midwifelife #midwifery #australiancharity #pregnancyandinfantlossawareness #angelbaby

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Come with us on a short behind-the-scenes tour of the maternity ward at our partner hospital, Kivulini Maternity Centre. Part 1!

#MaternalHealth #hospital #midwifery #midwifelife #charity #fistulatreatment @maternityafrica

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We’re pleased to welcome Tania to the BMF team here in Australia! She’ll be the new face behind our office phone number and email address, so if you’re in touch make sure to give her a warm welcome 😄 

https://barbaramayfoundation.com/contact/

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Today is Ethiopian New Year (Enkutash in Amharic). It’s an important day spent with family and friends, enjoying traditional cultural foods and coffee. 

We want to wish all our colleagues, friends and patients in Ethiopia Melkam Addis Amet - a very Happy New Year!

#enkutatash #ethiopiannewyear #barbaramayfoundation

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Last chance Brisbane! We’re coming to visit and we have a few tickets still available...but not for long!

 5pm, Thursday 18 Sep... 
💙 Meet likeminded colleagues 
💙 Hear from Dr Andrew Browning AM, author of 'A Doctor in Africa' and a global leading fistula surgeon 
💙 Support an incredibly important cause while enjoying a drink or two in beautiful Brisbane City.

 Reserve your spot: https://events.humanitix.com/meet-dr-andrew-browning-brisbane-2025 (link also in bio!)

P.S All proceeds from the event go towards supporting life-saving maternal healthcare in East Africa.

#brisbanemums #brisbaneevents #brisbaneqld #FistulaAwareness #barbaramayfoundation #authortalk #womenshealth #maternalhealth #charity #fundraisingevent #queensland

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Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there in our community! 

Your support not only makes a difference for women and babies in East Africa, but for their families - their husbands and dads too 🥰 

We wish you all a day filled with joy, good food, and, of course, family.

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Women like Anyang, living with fistula, have been hidden for too long. This Women’s Health Week, help bring their stories into the light.

With your help, we will continue restoring the dignity of women like Anyang. 

Give a gift today: link in bio 

#womenshealthweek #maternalhealth #barbaramayfoundation #sdg3 #endfistula #bethechange #midwifery #birthstory #antenatal #maternity #womenshealth

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