Fistula Foundation Covid-19 Weekly Dispatch

A Rohingya refugee camp in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. Running water is scarce, and social distancing can be almost impossible. (Photo CC EU Civil Protections and Humanitarian Aid)

A densely populated Rohingya refugee camp in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. Running water is scarce, and social distancing can be almost impossible. (Photo: CC EU Civil Protections and Humanitarian Aid)

Dear Friend,

This week, I have been particularly concerned for our partners in Bangladesh. They were already navigating a humanitarian crisis amidst the Rohingya refugee camps—and then Covid-19 hit. The first case of the virus was confirmed in the camps on May 14, and by May 26, approximately 15,000 people had been quarantined. As the situation continues to unfold, aid workers fear the worst. What's more, the raining season has begun, and the refugee camps just narrowly missed the full force of Cyclone Amphan.

HOPE Hospital, Fistula Foundation's longstanding partner in Bangladesh, is located in the border town of Cox’s Bazar—the epicenter of the crisis. They continue to work tirelessly in the refugee camps amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, providing medical care and intervention wherever they can. HOPE also continues to refer fistula patients back to the main hospital in Cox’s Bazar for life-changing fistula repair surgery.

Fistula Foundation's Covid-19 Emergency Response Fund puts your donations directly into the hands of vetted partners like HOPE Hospital, operating where the need is greatest across Africa and Asia. Will you make a donation today? 100% of your gift goes to the field:

Donate to Covid-19 Emergency Response Fund

We are proud to support HOPE Hospital, and all of our partners on the front lines of the Covid-19 pandemic. Together, we can help them deliver aid where it is needed most.

With gratitude,

Kate Grant

CEO, Fistula Foundation

Dr. Fahmida Akter performing a fistula repair surgery amidst the Covid-19 lockdown in Bangladesh.

News of Interest

This week, I came across several articles that I wanted to share with you. They discuss the various preventative measures that people and governments have taken to prevent the spread of Covid-19. One article, from the Council on Foreign Relations' Think Global Health blog, discusses the effectiveness of hand-washing—and how many people in low-income countries lack access to basics like soap and running water.

Handwashing is Crucial for Combating Coronavirus

Another article from NPR highlights the international travel bans imposed by many nations across the globe. According to NPR's analysis, more than three quarters of the world's nations have imposed some type of restriction — but experts are now doubting their effectiveness. You can read the analysis here.

Countries Slammed Their Borders Shut
to Stop Coronavirus. But Is It
Doing Any Good?

...and Now, for Some GOOD News!

In the absence of regular visitors, the US National Parks have seen an increase in wildlife sightings. Creatures like bears, coyotes, and bobcats are taking advantage of the empty parks and lounging in areas like parking lots and outside of popular hotels. This article in The Guardian tells the charming story.

Photo: Creative Commons NPS Photo/Neal Herbert

We believe that no woman should endure a life of isolation and misery simply for trying to bring a child into the world, which is why we are dedicated to ending the suffering caused by obstetric fistula. We're working with local partners in more than 20 countries, funding more fistula repair surgeries worldwide than any other organization. Based in San Jose, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley, Fistula Foundation is honored to have received 14 consecutive four-star ratings from Charity Navigator; only 1 percent of charities have received this designation.

We receive the highest rating from every industry watchdog group.

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