Campaign to End Fistula

Johnson & Johnson

In 2005, Johnson & Johnson donated all of the sutures for the “Fistula Fortnight,” a two-week fistula treatment and training project in northern Nigeria spearheaded by UNFPA. The partnership has since grown to include a three-year project that aims to expand capacity for fistula prevention and treatment, stimulate access to these services, and enhance quality of care in Eritrea. The project includes investments in human resources, infrastructure, quality assurance systems, transport and referral systems and community involvement.

VIRGIN UNITE

After listening to a passenger on a Virgin Atlantic flight speak passionately about the Campaign to End Fistula, Richard Branson felt compelled to act. “Fistula is not an easy subject to talk about, but let's start talking openly and try and put an end, together, to this needless suffering," says Branson, Chairman of the Virgin Group of Companies. Since early 2005, Virgin Unite—the charitable arm of Branson’s Virgin Group—has contributed to a number of Campaign projects in Nigeria, including the “Fistula Fortnight” and a press trip with Spokesperson Natalie Imbruglia. Through recent benefit events in London, Virgin Unite has raised more than $1.1 million for a fistula prevention and treatment project in Nigeria.

RKCR/Young & Rubicam

Rainey Kelly Campbell Roalfe/Young & Rubicam (RCKR/Y&R) is lending its creative services to the global Campaign to End Fistula. In 2005/6, the award-winning agency created a series of advertising materials to build public awareness and support for the global Campaign in the United Kingdom. The ad campaign was seen across London throughout July 2006, raising unprecedented visibility for this cause. Based on the success of the UK campaign, RKCR/Y&R provided further support for a similar effort in Belgium. A targeted month-long ad campaign was unveiled in Brussels on 26 April 2007.

ELLE Belgium

After learning about the global Campaign to End Fistula, women’s magazine ELLE Belgium committed to support UNFPA’s advocacy efforts through editorial articles and free advertising space. In May 2007, ELLE Belgique (French language) and ELLE België (Dutch language) published in-depth reports on obstetric fistula and the global Campaign. The articles were shared with a global network of ELLE magazine affiliates and will be reprinted in ELLE Italy, Turkey and Serbia. Additionally, ELLE Belgium agreed to carry ten UNFPA fistula ads free of charge in 2007, building further awareness of this cause.