Pelvic Health Initiative
This work aims to address the significant unmet need for research addressing delivery of healthcare to the millions of women suffering from pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) who lack access to specialized care. This part of our collaboration with Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo. Our mutual vision is to set the standard for care of patients with PFDs while supporting Panzi staff at becoming leaders in their field.
There are multiple contributing factors to the high prevalence of PFDs in sub-Saharan African countries. We know that the risk for PFDs such as pelvic organ prolapse or urinary incontinence increases with the number of vaginal childbirths. Therefore, the problem of PFDs may be amplified in many countries this region, which has the highest births-per-woman rates in the world. Due to factors including infrastructure, childbirth complications such as obstetric fistula are also most prevalent in women living in sub-Saharan Africa.
Site: Panzi Hospital is located in Bukavu, the capital of the South Kivu province in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The hospital serves as a teaching institution associated with University Evangelique Afrique and has a total capacity of 450 beds, of which 84 beds are devoted to urogynecological care of patients admitted for prolapse, obstetric fistula, as well as survivors of sexual violence. Although it is a general referral hospital serving the over 1 million local population, it is most known for its support for survivors of sexual violence and women suffering from obstetric fistula. Panzi Hospital was founded by 2018 Nobel Peace Laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege.
