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.
Experience the majestic snow-capped peak of Mt Kilimanjaro in 2024
Join us for the experience of a lifetime!Support and fundraise for the Barbara May Foundation while enjoying the unique experience of trekking through Africa. This nine-day journey will take you on a spectacular journey to one of the world’s natural wonders.
Projects supported in Africa
Barbara May Maternity Hospital, Ethiopia
Valerie Browning AM
Vision Maternity Care Hospital, Ethiopia
Dr Birhanu Menber
Kivulini Hospital Maternity Africa (MA), Tanzania
Dr Andrew Browning
Latest News & Articles
Event: Orange Fundraiser with Dr Andrew Browning
It was a wonderful night, at Duntryleague when nearly 100 guests attended and heard Dr Andrew...
Video: Midwife Mussa Laizer, his story and progress
At the core of what we do is training of health professionals. Each year around 100 midwives are...
Interview: Valerie Browning on ABC Conversations with Sarah Kranowski
While she was in Australia in December, Valerie Browning was interviewed by Radio National...
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More feedback from the successful BMF fundraising event.
The May 24th fundraising event in Orange, NSW was a wonderful night. Held at Duntryleague where nearly 100 guests attended and heard Dr Andrew Browning share the great needs and challenges for women with obstetric fistula in Africa.
The inaugural fundraiser was very successful as the funds raised were more than enough to provide for a borehole and watering system for the new hospital in Tanzania.
Good strong connections were made with the people of Orange. Plus, Andrew also spoke at the hospital the next day.
#safebirth #maternalhealth #savethemothersavetheworld #barbaramayfoundation
When you donate to the Barbara May Foundation you are helping save lives.
Here is what your donation provides:
$60 – will pay for the transport of a woman to hospital.
$150 – will pay for 65 delivery kits for village birth attendants.
$250 – will pay for a safe delivery in hospital including a caesarean section if required plus all pre and post-natal checkups.
$600 – will pay for an obstetric fistula repair operation.
All donations more than $2 are fully tax deductible
DONATE SECURELY: LINK IN BIO
#savethemothersavetheworld #safebirth #barbaramayfoundation #maternalhealth
Last night Orange residents attended the inaugural fundraiser for the Barbara May Foundation to raise funds via dinner, raffle and silent auction at Duntryleague. Pat Kennedy, co-author of A Doctor In Africa, emceed the immensely successful evening.
#savethemothersavetheworld #safebirth #barbaramayfoundation #maternalhealth
Pictured Dr Andrew Browning, Pat Kennedy and Jenny Kennedy
ATTENTION BRISBANE!
It`s not too late to register for the Brisbane Supporters Dinner - Dr Andrew Browning in conversation with Dr Judith Goh AO
June 2nd, 2023 – 6pm to 10pm
Location: Customs House, 399 Queen Street, Brisbane
Tickets: $170pp includes gourmet 3-course dinner and all beverages
The Foundation welcomes our wonderful supporters from Queensland to hear from Dr Andrew Browning about progress in our African maternal health projects over the past year.
We are also thrilled to introduce the esteemed doctor and global humanitarian, Dr Judith Goh AO, Professor at the School of Medicine at Griffith University in Queensland. In 2012, Judith was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to gynaecological medicine, particularly in the field of fistula surgery, and to the promotion of the rights of women and children in developing countries.
This year, Judith will be travelling to Africa to assist Dr Andrew in South Sudan and Uganda. Andrew and Judith will be ‘In Conversation’ as they share their international experiences working in remote and under-serviced regions with some of the world’s most disadvantaged women.
The evening will also feature a Silent Auction and Raffle.
Register with link in bio.
#savethemothersavetheworld #safebirth #barbaramayfoundation #maternalhealth
The International Day to End Obstetric Fistula (23 May) is marked annually to draw attention to the devastating injury caused during an obstructed labour; an injury which continues to impact the lives of tens of thousands of women in disadvantaged countries.
The Barbara May Foundation works 365 days a year in its mission for the improvement of maternal healthcare in the Sub-Saharan region of Africa with the following desired outcomes:
Safer childbirth, the delivery of live babies, and mothers not injured during childbirth. (Reduction of morbidity and mortality of women & babies)
The protection of young women and girls from harmful traditional practices.
Greater quality and efficiency in childbirth services provided by trained, local midwives and health and medical professionals.
Access to free, quality medical services, emergency obstetric care & improved/new facilities for poor women, particularly those in remote areas.
Improved access to, and co-ordination of fistula treatment.
The continued build of an evidence-base for effective maternal health intervention.
Learn more: www.barbaramayfoundation.com
#savethemothersavetheworld #safebirth #barbaramayfoundation #maternalhealth #ethiopia
EVENT IN ORANGE, NSW
Meet Dr Andrew Browning
May 24th May, 2023 – 6.30pm – 10pm
Tickets: $120pp includes welcome drinks, canapes and 2-course meal
Location: Dalton Room, Duntryleague Golf Club, Woodward St, Orange (Entry via golf club)
Dr Andrew Browning will share his experiences working in Africa making birth safer and repairing birthing injuries.
Book now: link in bio
#savethemothersavetheworld #safebirth #barbaramayfoundation #maternalhealth
In April 2022, Barbara May Foundation formed a partnership with Te-Kworo Foundation in Northern Uganda to build its fifth maternity hospital in East Africa, and the first in Uganda.
The hospital will provide support for a mobile clinic operating in remote villages across four large districts of Northern Uganda, as well as nursing and midwifery training for girls coming through Te-Kworo’s scholarship program.
Learn more about this project and how you can help in the link in the bio.
#barbaramayfoundation #tekworofoundation
Reminder: Barbara May Foundation has a partnership with Safewill, Australia’s leading online Will writing platform, that provides quality Wills at a competitive price. Safewill provides this service to many major charities and has made it easier and more affordable for the 70% of Australian adults who don’t have a valid Will to protect the people and organisations that mean the most to them.
Securing bequests plays an important part in all charities fundraising strategies, so the Foundation is pleased to partner with this trustworthy and professional group who can help us grow our fundraising and engagement in this area.
Every Will submitted is reviewed by their affiliate law firm, Safewill Legal, to ensure they have been filled out correctly, and their lovely Customer Care team will also be available to answer any queries. If you would like to investigate the Safewill option, you can do so here: https://safewill.com/bmf?utm_source=fb&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=bmf_fb
#savethemothersavetheworld #safebirth #barbaramayfoundation #maternalhealth #africa #maternityafrica #safewill
Happy Mother`s Day to all the fabulous mothers all over the world from the Barbara May Foundation.
#barbaramayfoundation
In March, Dr Andrew spent another productive 3.5 weeks in Africa, first going to Ethiopia to do a site assessment of a fistula surgery training centre for FIGO then to visit our hospital in BarhirDar.
One week was spent in Juba, Sth Sudan where 39 women presented for fistula operations, some making enormous journeys in the hope of a cure. Two doctors were trained including Dr Joseph from the Lutheran centre with whom we partner, and Dr Marianne, an Italian missionary nun who has been working as a doctor in Sth Sudan since 2011.
Dr Marianne, an Italian missionary nun
The last week was spent in Tanzania, where 45 women came for screening, of which 39 were suitable to be operated on. The staff are doing tremendously in all our centres and partner centres.
www.barbaramayfoundation.com
#savethemothersavetheworld #safebirth #barbaramayfoundation #maternalhealth #ethiopia