PROLAPSE DOWN UNDER
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PROLAPSE DOWN UNDER
In its more severe forms, genital (or pelvic organ) prolapse is a distressing and disfiguring disease. University studies have shown that there are 200,000 women in Nepal who suffer with severe pelvic organ prolapse and are in urgent need of surgery.
Currently there are very few surgeons in Nepal who can provide this surgery. The Prolapse Down Under arm of A4WH is set up to provide surgical camps in Nepal to correct these severe forms of prolapse.
WHAT IS PROLAPSE?
PROLAPSE refers to an organ falling out of place. In the female pelvis, organs at risk of prolapse include the uterus, bladder, rectum, small bowel, and the vaginal wall itself. Any or all of these organs can fall down through the vaginal opening and lead to a number of symptoms including pelvic and vaginal pressure and pain; discomfort with sitting, standing or exercising; incontinence of urine or faeces; and pain with intercourse.
The Prolapse Down Under arm of A4WH exists to bring relief to the thousands of women in Nepal, who suffer humiliation, pain and rejection caused by prolapse and incontinence. Prolapse Down Under has been operating since 2010 and was the original thrust of the organisation. It was established as a humanitarian initiative designed to bring relief to the large number of underprivileged women who suffer the indignity and social ostracism that comes with pelvic organ prolapse and other genital conditions.
The issue is a serious one. Severe prolapse affects every aspect of the woman’s life, resulting in physical suffering and mental distress. Through Prolapse Down Under, A4WH actively seeks to bring hope and restoration to the lives of thousands of women who would otherwise be abandoned to despair.
KEY PROJECTS
SURGICAL TREATMENT CAMPS
A4WH regularly organises teams of volunteer surgeons, anaesthetists and nurses to travel to Nepal to provide treatment for women suffering with prolapse and incontinence. Camps provide surgery and conservative treatments as well as training to local medical and nursing staff. Each camp generally lasts two to three weeks and is based in a local hospital in rural and remote areas of Nepal.
A4WH works in conjunction with the United Nations and the Government of Nepal. The organisation is committed to ongoing research into the area of prolapse and incontinence in developing countries including quality of life studies pre and post treatment.
DHULIKHEL HOSPITAL
A4WH has recently set up a clinical unit for the investigation and treatment of urinary incontinence and prolapse at Dhulikhel Hospital, Nepal. This hospital now has the first urodynamics unit in the country. Urodynamics units allow accurate assessment of bladder function to determine the ideal management of urinary function disorders including incontinence.
AUSTRALIANS FOR WOMEN’S HEALTH
The health of families and communities is strongly tied to the health of women—the illness or death of a woman has serious consequences for the health of her children, her family and the community.
HAEMORRHAGE PREVENTION
Postpartum haemorrhage is the leading cause of death in pregnancy in developing countries. A4WH is currently undertaking research in the use of a medication called misoprostol. This drug has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of severe blood loss after delivery. It is a simple, stable, and inexpensive medication that can be taken orally and does not require refrigeration. Misoprostol may be the most suitable medication to be used following delivery in rural and remote areas of developing countries.
NEW MOTHERS AND BABIES HOSPITAL DOLAKHA
HISTORY & ORIGINS
A4WH is an Australian charitable trust. It was founded in 2010 by Gynaecologist Obstetrician, Dr Ray Hodgson. The objective of A4WH is to improve the appalling state of women’s health in Nepal.
Thank You to Our Partners and Sponsors
Get In Touch With Us
Contact Infomation
Please see our Contact information below.
Australians For Women’s Health
57 Lake Road
Port Macquarie, NSW 2444,
email admin@a4wh.org
Phone: (+612) 6584 5857
Fax: (+612) 6584 7211
Hours of Operation
M – F 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Send Cheques to:
Atten: Australians for Women’s Health
PO Box 536
Port Macquarie
NSW 2444
Media Enquiries
Keith Wikinson
e:prorec@optusnet.com.au
atten: Media Enquiries
Phone Mobile: +61 0412 856 569
FAQ
Q: If I make a donation to A4WH, where does my money go?
A: The full value of your donation will be used to provide critical medical services to women in developing countries, including:
- training and building capacity of local doctors, nurses and midwives;
- provision of equipment; and
- construction of infrastructure projects such as hospitals, clinics and operating theatres.
The use of donated funds exclusively for patients in need and the building of capacity in their countries is a fundamental principle of the A4WH foundation.
Q: How is this possible? And how can I be sure my donation does go to where you say it does?
A: Some donors elect to have their donation cover the administrative and organisational costs and an Australian company transfers all of its annual profits to A4WH. This company (Port Macquarie Ultrasound) is owned and operated by the founder of A4WH, Dr Ray Hodgson. These funds and personal donations by Dr Hodgson and contributions from other than donors eg merchandise sales, cover all administrative and organisational costs. A4WH is strongly committed to complete transparency of all finances within charitable organisations.
Q: There are so many charitable organisations asking for my money. Why should I choose to donate to A4WH?
A: There is no doubt that Australians are extremely privileged to receive very high standards of medical care. Our access to a world class health system can so easily be taken for granted. There is a massive imbalance in the availability of medical treatment between countries like Australia and those of the developing world, and among the populations of these countries this imbalance is most blatant among women. If you agree with A4WH’s Mission Statement that every woman, regardless of race, wealth or status should have equal access to the highest standards of medical care, a donation to A4WH is an effective and efficient ways of redressing this shameful imbalance.
Q: Is a donation I make to A4WH tax deductible?
A: Yes. All donations to A4WH are fully tax deductible.
Q: I want to become a volunteer. What do I do?
A: Download the Volunteer Application form.
Q: Is there an age limit for volunteers?
A: As working in overseas countries involves a certain element of risk, the insurance policies of A4WH specify a lower age limit of 18 years.
Q: What types of insurance cover will I need?
A: A4WH will cover all travel and medical insurance, including, if necessary, medical evacuation.
Q: Will I be safe at my overseas placement?
A: There are security issues of some kind in every country. A4WH monitors security through our official and local contacts. Understanding the culture, observing local social behaviours, establishing friendships and seeking advice from the local community will improve your everyday personal security, as will being sensitive and sensible.
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