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April 9, 2015

Rolling the dice: Why should childbirth be a game of chance?

  • Posted By : Samantha Bossalini/
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  • Under : First Person Perspectives

Changing the status quo for Tanzanian women

Two weeks ago, I made my first trip to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania with the Kupona team to witness the impact of our partner, CCBRT, first-hand. That’s how I found myself one afternoon seeking shade from the East African sun with a dozen ladies, ranging in age from 16 to 65. These women were at CCBRT recovering from surgery to repair obstetric fistula, a debilitating injury sustained during childbirth.

16 year-old Malela is recovering at CCBRT

16 year-old Malela is recovering at CCBRT

To some, she is considered fortunate
Malela, a 16-year-old girl with a shy smile, was the first recovering fistula patient I spoke with.

In the US, a girl her age would be thinking about friends, boys, passing her driver’s test and studying for SAT’s. Sitting together in Dar es Salaam, Malela told me about the day she lost her baby.

One of the 39,000 babies who die every year in Tanzania. In a voice barely louder than a whisper she told me that after two days of obstructed labor at a rural clinic near her home, she passed out from exhaustion. Her stillborn child was removed with forceps. The first thing she remembered when she woke was feeling her flat stomach, and asking, “Where is my baby?” Her mother told her the baby had died, and had been taken away. She never saw her child. To some, she is considered fortunate; ‘Fortunate’, simply because she survived. Every year in Tanzania, 8,000 women are not so fortunate.

Why is this about luck?
As we waited to meet with the next patient, I asked my interpreter if this woman had also lost her child. The interpreter shook her head.

“No, her baby survived. She is lucky.”

During my half-hour interview with 30-year-old Salma, I watched her 3-month-old baby girl rubbing her face against her mother’s shoulder and clutching Salma’s blue hospital gown in a tiny fist. I just kept thinking, why is this about luck?

Taking luck out of the equation
Before I went to Tanzania, I knew that 8,000 Tanzanian women die each year due to complications in pregnancy or childbirth. But I didn’t comprehend the full gravitas of that number until I sat side-by-side with two of the ‘lucky’ ones. The 16-year-old girl who didn’t die; the mother who didn’t lose her baby.

My mom, Tracy, delivered me without the fears facing thousands of Tanzanian women.

My beautiful mom, Tracy, delivered me in a safe, clean facility. Thousands of women in Tanzania are not so fortunate.

My mother had her first child when she was my age. Amidst the normal doubts and fears that come with pregnancy, she never wondered if she would have to share her hospital bed with five other women in labor. Giving birth on the floor of a packed, humid ward, or dying as a result of a hemorrhage at a clinic without blood supplies wasn’t a concern. She didn’t worry about generators failing, or medicine running out, or delivery rooms being short-staffed because it was the night shift.

I’m not a mother yet, but living in the US, I don’t worry about those things either. At Kupona Foundation, we believe that no woman ever should.

Every mother deserves the chance to greet her newborn child
I give to Kupona because I’ve met the women who, without this support, would be left with the gaping emotional and physical tears that obstetric fistula leaves in its wake. I give because this condition is so easily preventable. I’ve heard the stories of loss, listened as these women shared their hopes for the future, and I’ve been humbled by the overwhelming gratitude they expressed at simply being healed.

With the support of our donors, and the dedicated team at CCBRT, we are making quality, respectful, maternal healthcare accessible to the women of Tanzania. We are taking luck out of the equation. By decongesting overcrowded wards, training skilled healthcare workers, and building capacity throughout the Dar es Salaam region, we are giving mothers the opportunity to meet their newborn children, the opportunity to be healthy moms to healthy babies.

We say it so often at Kupona because we believe it: Every mother deserves the chance to greet her newborn child. This Mother’s Day, please take the opportunity to show your support. Honor the mothers in your life, and help us take luck out of the equation for thousands of women every year.

With gratitude,
Sami

Samantha Bossalini
Communications and Development Associate, Kupona Foundation

For every donation made in honor of a mother, her name will be entered into our prize drawing. The winner will receive a gift from the Mabinti Center, winner of Accessories Designer of the Year at Swahili Fashion Week 2014. Just type ‘In honor of {insert Mum’s name here}’ in your donation description for her chance to win!


March 10, 2015

Women Making It Happen: Nurse Stella

  • Posted By : Samantha Bossalini/
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  • Under : First Person Perspectives

Planning Futures, Saving Lives

 

Nurse Stella in front of Tim’s Corner

Nurse Stella in front of Tim’s Corner

 

In our last three posts leading up to International Women’s Day last Sunday, Kupona celebrated a few of the many women that inspire us. We had so many stories of inspirational people to choose from that we couldn’t stop there. Now, every quarter, we are going to shine the spotlight on inspiring individuals that are overcoming countless obstacles and making a monumental impact upon the Tanzanian community.

To kick off this regular installment, we highlight the accomplishments and contributions of Nurse Stella, lead nurse at Tim’s Corner Family Planning Center at CCBRT. Nurse Stella offers quality, confidential family planning counseling to CCBRT patients and staff. Through her work, Tim’s Corner makes family planning information universally available to patients and staff at CCBRT. This means patients with disabilities and marginalized populations are empowered to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.

Keeping it in the family

A registered nurse since 1986, Stella comes from a family of nurses.

“In my family, my sister is a nurse, my younger mother (aunt) is a nurse. It is a profession that is common in my family. When I was doing general nursing, I did maternity care. This is how I became interested in family planning.”

Empowering families through education

Stella has seen many clients pass through the doors at Tim’s Corner. Some clients, however, stand out.

“An 18-year-old fistula patient came to me. Her baby died during delivery at the hospital in the remote area where she gave birth…Most women in the rural areas don’t know about family planning. She was also very young, She was not married so I talked to her about family planning.”

Through Stella’s counseling, the patient opted for contraceptives that would help her avoid pregnancy as her body healed from fistula, and plan future pregnancies safely. For women who have never had family planning counseling before, dispelling the myths surrounding contraception is often the first hurdle.

“Last week,” Stella says, “I met a man of 25 years. He had a 22-year-old wife with two children…He thought his wife should get family planning, but his wife didn’t want to use it. I asked him to bring the wife to me so that I could explain the advantages and disadvantages of family planning. When I talked with her, she said that her mother did not use family planning so she did not use it. She didn’t know anything about family planning before we spoke. After I talked to her, she decided that family planning was a good choice for their family.  I was feeling very proud about that. I was happy that I could share this information with her so that she could feel knowledgeable about options for her health and her family.”

The Bigger Picture

As a nurse, her clients’ health is Stella’s first priority, and safely spaced pregnancies are critical to reducing a woman’s risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. But family planning can have a much wider impact upon the overall well-being of a family unit.

“When a woman uses family planning, it helps to improve her health status and care for her family. Family planning helps to limit the size of families and make sure the size of the family is right for the family’s income.”

Healthier women mean healthier families and stronger communities.

“If a mother gives birth to many children, sometimes the family cannot afford to send all of the children to school or buy them clothes or food. Those are things that could be difficult. If we can talk about family planning, women will only have the number of children that they can manage.”

“At this time, many women do talk about family planning. Before this time, family planning was only talked about for married women. Now unmarried women will talk about it because they realize they need it too. Still some women are ashamed to talk about it.”

Stella will keep the conversation going at Tim’s Corner, keeping in mind that family planning’s first beneficiaries are often young women. By postponing their pregnancies, girls and young women can finish their education, pursue job opportunities, and fully participate in their society.

We are so grateful to have Stella’s expertise at Tim’s Corner Family Planning Center, and thank her for her dedication to family and maternal health!


March 3, 2015

Women Making it Happen: Patricia Potts

  • Posted By : Samantha Bossalini/
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  • Under : Events, First Person Perspectives

Compassion that knows no distance

This International Women’s Day, we are celebrating just a few of the women that inspire us every day. Meet Pat!

This International Women’s Day, we are celebrating just a few of the women that inspire us every day. Meet Pat!

 

Pat Potts is no stranger to charitable giving. As a board officer for Journey’s End Refugee Services, Pat works to resettle refugees from around the world in her Buffalo, NY community. She is also a regular supporter of Smile Train, one of Kupona and CCBRT’s key partners. Her visit to Tanzania in 2013, however, motivated her to take her generosity one step further.

“I contribute my time and expertise, and find helping refugees a wonderful win-win for our community. But Tanzania was a different situation.”

Before arriving in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Pat did not imagine that an encounter with a mother and daughter would result in a long-term connection to a new cause. Pat visited Tanzania with her own daughter and team members from Smile Train. It was during a day trip to Tegeta, a poor area in Dar es Salaam, that Pat met Rebecca and “Mama Rebecca,” her mother.

“I met Rebecca because her mom allowed us into her humble home after Rebecca had received cleft surgery at CCBRT.  She opened their home to us to see the good result for her daughter.”

Rebecca, 6 years old, received cleft surgery at CCBRT in 2013, funded by Smile Train.

Rebecca, 6 years old, received cleft surgery at CCBRT in 2013, funded by Smile Train.

And as Pat toured CCBRT’s Disability Hospital, the stories of thousands of other children like Rebecca, whose families struggle to afford high quality treatment, really resonated. As a mother, she felt compelled to do more.

“It was humbling, and I am so fortunate. If I could not assist these mothers who do so much for their children, how could I, as a mother, reconcile my good fortune of merely living in the U.S. and accept their hospitality?”

On her return to the U.S., Pat contacted Kupona Foundation, looking for a way to support the work she had witnessed firsthand. Kupona was delighted to provide Pat with a way to stay connected with CCBRT, and channel her support to the programs that had such an impact. For Pat, her contributions are a tribute not just to the women she met on her trip, but to the medical care that changed Rebecca’s life, and the services that change the lives of over a million people every year.

“Such safe surgeries make as big a difference to individuals in Tanzania as the work I’ve been doing with refugees in the States. My contributions are in honor of Rebecca’s mother, and in tribute to the hope and good work of CCBRT.”

Pat (second from right) meets Rebecca and her mother with our friends from Smile Train.

Pat (second from right) meets Rebecca and her mother with our friends from Smile Train.

Kupona Foundation and CCBRT are immensely grateful for the support of Pat and others like her. We channel these contributions directly to CCBRT, empowering them to provide high quality, affordable treatment for vulnerable people as well as supporting their efforts to enact sustainable, system-wide change in Tanzania.

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February 26, 2015

Women Making it Happen: Esther

  • Posted By : Samantha Bossalini/
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  • Under : Events, First Person Perspectives

A story of endurance and recovery

One week from International Women’s Day on March 8th, we’re celebrating women who inspire us. Meet Esther!

One week from International Women’s Day on March 8th, we’re celebrating women who inspire us. Meet Esther!

Esther arrived at the health center in Tanga as a 24-year-old expectant mother and business woman, with a supportive family and a bright future. She returned home with a healthy baby, but also a devastating condition that threatened to diminish that future. Obstetric fistula.

Despite a traumatic 12-hour delivery, Esther’s baby survived. The baby was both too big and lying in a position that made the delivery very difficult. Staff at the Tanga health center were able to deliver the baby, but the damage to Esther’s body had already been done.

Five days after returning home, Esther noticed she was leaking urine.

Learning to Live with Fistula

“I did not know what fistula was before I developed it and I was not sure why I was leaking.”

“After I developed fistula, I stayed at home with my parents. I was very sad that I could not go to any celebrations or to see my neighbors because I would be ashamed for anyone to see my leaking.“

Isolation and marginalization walk hand-in-hand with fistula, as the pervasive smell of leaking urine and feces, and the lack of understanding surrounding the condition, often push friends and family to reject the woman living with the condition. Thankfully, Esther’s relatives were understanding and supportive, and refused to separate from her. She did, however, experience a different type of loss.

“Before I had fistula, I owned a cosmetic shop. After my baby was born, I could not go back to my cosmetic shop because I had spent the money that I would need to purchase more supplies for my business on my health and fistula expenses. I also had to spend more time washing my clothes because I was leaking in them a lot and I did not want to leak in front of my customers.”

Hope Delivered

Esther lived with fistula for seven months before she was offered any hope of a restored life. A doctor in Tanga told her about an organization called CCBRT in Dar es Salaam, and informed her that her condition was treatable. Esther traveled the 200 miles to CCBRT, and was admitted for fistula repair surgery. In a new city, preparing to undergo surgery, she naturally had concerns.

“Before surgery, I was worried that I would be in pain and that it would not be successful.”

Esther’s surgery was successful, and she is now recovering pain-free at CCBRT. She is happy to be completely dry, and to have her beautiful, healthy son. She will soon be able to return home to her family and community. When asked what message she would like to send to other women in Tanzania who are living with fistula, she replies:

“Fistula is treatable. When you have fistula, go to CCBRT for treatment.”

Kupona Foundation is proud to partner with CCBRT as they deliver hope and restore futures to thousands of women like Esther every year.

Next Sunday, March 8th, we will celebrate International Women’s Day with one final story to conclude our Women Making it Happen blog series. Join us as we honor an American woman who went the extra mile to support women living thousands of miles away. These women demonstrate that change is not only possible, it is happening – building stronger communities and creating better futures for women and families in Tanzania.


February 22, 2015

Women Making it Happen: Mama Millinga

  • Posted By : Samantha Bossalini/
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  • Under : Events, First Person Perspectives

A beacon of hope and support for Tanzania’s most vulnerable women

In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8th, we’re celebrating “Women Making it Happen.” Meet Mama Millinga

In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8th, we’re celebrating “Women Making it Happen.”
Meet Mama Millinga

For the past 15 years, Theodora Millinga, affectionately known to her patients and colleagues as Mama Millinga, has been the driving force behind CCBRT’s hugely successful rehabilitation program for fistula patients. Through years of dedication and compassionate care, Mama Millinga has successfully changed the lives of thousands of women when they were at their most vulnerable.

Initially trained as a nurse midwife, Mama Millinga’s compassionate nature made her the perfect candidate for her current role as counselor, health educator, and holistic care coordinator.

“Before I became a counselor I was treating patients in very difficult circumstances. I didn’t know where to start or the right thing to say. After I trained in counselling I had the skills required to sit with a patient and address difficult issues.  Being a counselor made me a better nurse.”

A holistic approach to patient care

Mama Millinga is responsible for the full spectrum of rehabilitative care for obstetric fistula patients both before and after surgery at CCBRT. Utilizing various techniques, including physiotherapy, art, music, group and individual counselling Mama Millinga addresses not only the physical effects of fistula, but also the emotional and psychological impact of years of loss, rejection, and marginalization.

“When I see women who have been abandoned or beaten by their husbands, excluded by their families, it hurts me a lot.”

Unfailing dedication

Despite hearing heartbreaking stories on a daily basis, Mama Millinga’s bright smile emerges when speaking about her patients and their successful recoveries. Her devotion to each patient extends beyond their time at CCBRT, as she keeps in touch with women she has worked with, eager to hear about their progress.

“There have been many memorable patients, but Ashura sticks in my mind. She has a physical disability, and developed a fistula during childbirth. I feared that Ashura’s disability would make the healing process more difficult. It made the surgery and treatment more complicated. But her surgery was successful. She fell pregnant sometime after her surgery, and called me. She followed the instructions; she delivered by C-Section and had a healthy baby. She fell pregnant a second time, with twins! It was another safe delivery. Now she has three healthy children.”

With International Women’s Day just two weeks from today, we are thrilled to celebrate Mama Millinga’s incredible legacy of healing and hope.

Stay tuned over the next two weeks for more stories profiling the incredible women we have the honor of working with and meeting at Kupona Foundation. These women demonstrate that change is not only possible, it is happening – building stronger communities and creating better futures for women and families in Tanzania.


January 25, 2015

The Danger of Misconception

  • Posted By : Samantha Bossalini/
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  • Under : News and Updates

The plight of Tanzanians living with Albinism

Last week, the Tanzanian Government announced a ban on witchdoctors (individuals who practice magic in order to heal illness or bring good fortune). This announcement followed the abduction of a four-year-old girl with albinism. An armed gang snatched the girl from her home because of misguided beliefs about her condition. She was abducted one month ago. She is still missing.

“Banning witchdoctors is not the only thing needed to stop the killing of albinos. The killing of albinos might decrease, but it will not end completely…Of course, families will try and protect albinos in their family. But someone will come and offer millions of shillings [thousands of dollars] for that albino so they can use their limbs for rituals. It is so much money that a family member will sell the albino. It only takes one person in the family to focus on the money and not the person.”
– Abdallah, CCBRT Gardener, person living with albinism

Witchdoctors still have a strong following in many Tanzanian communities, and traditional methods of healing are often the first port of call in a time of need. This is particularly true in remote rural communities, where modern medical care is considered expensive, difficult to access, and may not be trusted.

In Tanzania, it is estimated that more than 33,000 people live with albinism[1], an impairment affecting the production of melanin (the chemical that gives the skin its color). It is a genetic condition with no cure. Despite various health complications that can occur as a result of albinism, including eye and skin conditions, people with albinism are able to live a full and active life. Tragically, misconceptions around the condition within the Tanzanian community lead people with albinism to be brutally targeted. Witchdoctors claim that the limb, hair, skin or blood of a person with albinism will bring wealth and good fortune. As a result, at least 73 people in the last three years have been murdered and many more maimed in savage attacks[2].

Kupona Foundation applauds the Government of Tanzania as they address these murders and provide additional protection for Tanzanians living with albinism. However, while a ban on witchcraft may help to deter the communities involved and reduce the ‘demand’ for the murder of people with albinism in Tanzania, there must be a parallel effort to address the misconceptions that are the driving force behind these murders.

Abdallah has been working as a gardener for our partner, CCBRT, since 2013. (You can read more about his story here) As an individual living with albinism, Abdallah is not optimistic that a ban on witchcraft alone will eradicate the violence against people with albinism.

Abdallah Majiwa

Abdallah

As we reach a pivotal point in international development with the expiry of the Millennium Development Goals in December 2015, we are encouraged by the focus that has been placed upon education in the upcoming Sustainable Development Goals. Improving access to the facts surrounding important health and social issues, including albinism and other impairments, will broaden societal understanding of the issues, so those targeted will no longer need to live in fear.

Interested in learning more about CCBRT’s advocacy program? Take a look at the summary in the 2013 Annual Report .

[1] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-30794831

[2] http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/15/tanzania-witch-doctors_n_6479802.html


December 28, 2014

Happy New Year!

  • Posted By : Samantha Bossalini/
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  • Under : Little Victories, News and Updates

Looking ahead to more little victories in 2015

It’s been a remarkable year. I’ve been inspired by the stories of success at home and abroad, and hope that you have, too. Mothers’ lives have been saved, families have better access to family planning, and children have received life-changing treatment – all thanks to your generosity.

Newborn in the Maternity Ward, Hospital Temeke

Newborns in the Maternity Ward, Temeke Hospital

The news from Temeke District Hospital was really a highlight for me. In a region where far too many mothers lose their lives in childbirth, the fact that every mother who gave birth at Temeke in the month of September survived is powerful. Moms and babies born at Temeke in September will have a future, thanks to the staff training, infrastructure improvements, and distribution of life-saving equipment that YOU supported. Thank you. You can read more about Temeke in our most recent post on Girls’ Globe. 

Of course, not every month will be as successful as September. Without collaboration and perseverance, thousands of Tanzanian mothers and their babies will continue to die every year.

We must build upon this year’s successes by enabling the team on the ground to continue improving the skills of healthcare providers; ensuring that they have access to the facilities and the equipment they need to do their job; and decongesting health facilities so that medical staff have the time and space to attend to every patient.

photo for final blog

It’s the little victories that will come together to change the status quo for women and children in Tanzania. A donation of $55 USD this holiday season will fund a skilled delivery by trained medical staff: giving both mother and baby a better chance for survival. If you donate through our GlobalGiving page between now and December 31st, you can help us win an additional $3,000 to make motherhood safe in Tanzania!

Kupona_Donategg

Your donation will make more of these victories possible, and support our work at CCBRT. Help us continue to save lives and improve the quality of maternal and newborn healthcare in Tanzania. Help us make 2015 a year of little victories.

Wishing you all the best for a happy and healthy New Year!

With gratitude,
Abbey

 


December 21, 2014

Little Victories Stateside

  • Posted By : Samantha Bossalini/
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  • Under : First Person Perspectives, Little Victories, News and Updates

Building momentum in 2014

Our Tanzanian team isn’t the only one celebrating little victories this year. Kupona’s Board President, Dr. Yoni Barnhard looks back on Kupona’s victories in 2014.

Dr. Yoni Barnard

Dr. Barnhard addresses Kupona cocktail reception attendees.

I’ve been President of the Board of Directors at Kupona for two years.  In 2011, I traveled to Tanzania to visit a different hospital as an OB/GYN. My flight out of Dar es Salaam was cancelled, so a friend suggested I visit CCBRT’s maternal and newborn healthcare program. I had not been looking to join a Board. But my experience at CCBRT was so powerful – the potential for transformative change so great – that I had to be part of it. You can read more about that first visit in my three-part blog post in 2012: “A Slice of Dar – A Story from the Field.”

Kupona’s work at CCBRT is changing the status quo for mothers in Tanzania.

The donations from our supporters have a real and lasting impact – changing lives today, and strengthening the maternal and newborn healthcare system for generations to come. I first saw the impact and potential in 2011. Over the past year, more and more people are starting to see the potential, too.

Your continued support is enabling us to give more to CCBRT than ever before. This year, thanks to generous support from individuals and corporate and institutional partners, we raised over $500,000 for CCBRT, and this number is set to increase before the year is up. Some victories from our 2014 fundraising efforts included:

  • Spring Cocktails: Our third consecutive Spring Cocktail Event raised over $12,000 to purchase delivery beds and equipment for the CCBRT Maternity and Newborn Hospital.
  • Golfing for Good: Our fourth annual Kupona Foundation golf outing raised over $50,000 for mothers and babies in Tanzania.
  • Fall Cocktails: An intimate cocktail reception with Erwin Telemans, CCBRT CEO gave supporters an opportunity to ask questions and hear stories first-hand.
  • Memorial Campaign: Since 2013, family and friends of Tim Manchester have raised over $53,000 for family planning services at CCBRT; an incredible legacy for a close ally of CCBRT and Kupona. Read more on the Crowdrise Holiday Fundraiser for Tim’s Corner.

Our sincerest thanks to everyone who contributed to making these events and fundraisers happen. Together, we are saving the lives of women and children in Tanzania.

CCBRT CEO, Erwin Telemans, visits with Kupona team in September

CCBRT CEO, Erwin Telemans, visits with Kupona team in September.

Dr. Sierra Washington speaks with guests at a cocktail reception in June.

Dr. Sierra Washington speaks with guests at a cocktail reception in June.

In light of our continued growth, it was time to build a team that could help us fulfill our potential. Our Board, Advisory Board (AB), and the Kupona team have welcomed new recruits this year: a mixture of fresh new talent and individuals with a wealth of experience to share. We also strengthened our links to the work on the ground with the secondment of AB member Dr. Sierra Washington to CCBRT as a technical advisor to the maternal and newborn healthcare program and the placement of Princeton in Africa Fellow Erin Keating in CCBRT’s Communications Department. Our Executive Director spent over five weeks with the CCBRT team in Tanzania and New York, including joining CCBRT’s 20th Anniversary celebration in Dar es Salaam. Momentum is building. If you are interested in joining our dedicated team as a Board or Advisory Board member, please email info@kuponafoundation.org.

Photo Credit: Melanie Quinn Photography

From L to R: James Mann, Dr. Yoni Barnhard, Adrian Stewart, Katie Flanagan, Peter Maddens                                  Photo Credit: Melanie Quinn Photography

It’s been quite a year of little victories in the USA and Tanzania – making high-quality healthcare more accessible for some of the most vulnerable women and children in the world. Thank you for your support, and happy holidays.

Yoni


December 14, 2014

Empowering a Dedicated Team

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  • Under : First Person Perspectives, Little Victories

CCBRT team members share their experiences

Your donations to Kupona directly benefit our implementing partner on the ground in Tanzania, CCBRT – the largest provider of disability and rehabilitation services in the country. CCBRT’s comprehensive maternal and newborn healthcare program is strengthening the maternal healthcare system and building a new referral hospital for emergency and high-risk deliveries in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest city.

Our colleagues at CCBRT are a dedicated team of professionals. They’re the heroes, enabled by you to provide high quality, life-changing care to vulnerable people in Tanzania every day. We want you to get to know them.

1. Most memorable patients:

“She was very young…she had developed fistula at the age of 12.”

 

2. Why CCBRT is different from other healthcare providers:

“The services are affordable. They are available. And the services are reliable.”

 

3. CCBRT today is ‘Changing Lives, Changing Communities.’ What’s an alternative tagline? 

“CCBRT. Focused on Future”

Your donations to Kupona Foundation make their work possible. Thank You!


December 7, 2014

Little Victories in the Field

  • Posted By : Samantha Bossalini/
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  • Under : First Person Perspectives, Little Victories, News and Updates

CCBRT 2014: Success stories that you made possible

Kupona’s newest team member, Alexandra, joined us in November after two years working on the ground with CCBRT in Dar es Salaam. Here are her highlights from the year.

Alexandra visiting a CCBRT support unit in Dar es Salaam

Alexandra visiting a CCBRT support unit in Dar es Salaam

During my time with CCBRT, I heard inspirational stories and met inspirational people every day. But it wasn’t just the change that we could see happening on the ground that spurred us on. It was hearing that there are individuals like you, thousands of miles away from Dar es Salaam, that are making our work possible.

If you’ve never visited CCBRT in Tanzania, you may sometimes wonder if your donation is actually making a difference. I’m here to tell you it is. You are supporting high quality, life-changing care for some of the poorest and most marginalized people in Tanzania. I saw it happening every day.

Your donations are funding expert care
Our expertise in the disability field was recognized earlier this year with two major accreditations. In June, CCBRT became a FIGO accredited training center for fistula surgeons enabling our team to pass on their experience to the next generation of surgeons. CCBRT also became the international training center and headquarters for the International Red Cross, Special Fund for the Disabled (ICRC/SFD). Our new orthopedic workshop, refurbished with the support of ICRC/SFD, provides custom-made prosthetics and orthopedic devices to people with disabilities. Today, CCBRT is in a position to train orthopedic technicians from all over the world.

ICRC Training at CCBRT

Recipients of custom-made prosthetics in the newly furnished orthopedic workshop, funded by ICRC/SFD.


A huge step forward in preventing unplanned pregnancies
In 2014, we also saw Tim’s Corner transform from a shipping container into a fully functioning clinic providing family planning services and confidential advice to staff and patients on how to plan pregnancies. This was an important step forward in our efforts to prevent maternal and newborn mortality and disability.

Family Planning services will be fully integrated into the spectrum of care in CCBRT’s maternity and newborn healthcare program. See the recent progress of the Maternity and Newborn Hospital construction for yourself with this virtual tour. Over my two years in Dar es Salaam, the structure’s evolution has been incredible.

Family outside of CCBRT’s fistula ward. Photo credit: Mark Tuschman


Building capacity to save the lives of mothers and newborns
In parallel to the construction of this new facility, the team also continues to make progress in 22 public health facilities in Dar es Salaam, working in challenging conditions, conducting on-the-job training for healthcare workers, improving facilities, and distributing life-saving equipment.

This September, there was exciting news from Temeke District Hospital, one of the 22 facilities in our capacity building program. Temeke Hospital has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the region. However, following the work of the CCBRT team, Temeke reported zero maternal deaths in the month of September. 

Lives are being saved every day. You can read more about these particular achievements in our latest post on Girls’ Globe.

Twenty years of service to the Tanzanian community
This past October, CCBRT marked its 20th anniversary by championing the everyday heroes – the staff. My colleagues on the ground are rock stars, and I congratulate them for their victories – both big and small. You can read more about their stories here. If we didn’t have the support of people like you, none of this would be possible.

Alex with the team at CCBRT's 20th anniversary.

Alex with team members at CCBRT’s 20th Anniversary.

It’s been an amazing year, and I’m thrilled to be part of our momentum going into 2015. While we celebrate the successes, it is important that we do not rest on our laurels. There are thousands of people living with impairments that need treatment at CCBRT, and thousands of women and children who die every year as a result of avoidable complications during childbirth.

We still need your help. Make a donation today, safe in the knowledge that your money is reaching those in need, and is making a difference where change is so desperately needed.

~Alex
Individual Giving & Communications, Kupona Foundation


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