Restoring Health, Dignity
and Livelihood For Women
and Girls affected by
Obstetric Fistula
and other preventable Child Birth Injuries
and Livelihood For Women
and Girls affected by
Obstetric Fistula
and other preventable Child Birth Injuries
ABOUT TERREWODE
TERREWODE is a Ugandan non-governmental organization advancing maternal health, women’s rights and livelihoods. Founded in 1999, we work with women and girls, communities and health services to prevent childbirth injuries and support recovery that extends beyond treatment.
We operate Terrewode Women’s Community Hospital, the first specialized fistula treatment facility in Uganda and East Africa, providing free treatment for women and girls affected by obstetric fistula and other childbirth injuries. Our support continues through individualized reintegration, helping survivors rebuild livelihoods, strengthen family and community connections, and participate as advocates and change agents.
We operate Terrewode Women’s Community Hospital, the first specialized fistula treatment facility in Uganda and East Africa, providing free treatment for women and girls affected by obstetric fistula and other childbirth injuries. Our support continues through individualized reintegration, helping survivors rebuild livelihoods, strengthen family and community connections, and participate as advocates and change agents.
What is Obstetric Fistula
Obstetric fistula is a severe childbirth injury that can occur after prolonged, obstructed labour without timely access to emergency obstetric care. It creates an opening between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum, causing continuous leakage of urine or stool.
The condition can lead to stigma, isolation and loss of livelihoods. It is preventable and treatable, but recovery also requires support for women and girls to rebuild their lives.
The condition can lead to stigma, isolation and loss of livelihoods. It is preventable and treatable, but recovery also requires support for women and girls to rebuild their lives.
Launching the TERREWODE Individualized Community Reintegration Model
On 29 October 2026, we launched the TERREWODE Individualized Community Reintegration Model, drawing on two decades of supporting women and girls to rebuild their lives following treatment for obstetric fistula and other childbirth injuries.
The model connects care with individualized support for family and community life, livelihoods, and survivors’ participation as advocates and change agents.
FEATURED STORIES
STORIES OF IMPACT
“Don’t lose hope..” Catherine Acom
“Catherine Acom lived with a childbirth injury for 17 years before receiving treatment at Terrewode Women’s Community Hospital. Through TERREWODE’s reintegration programme, she received gardening training and now grows vegetables for her family and for sale. She also uses her experience to educate her community about preventing childbirth injuries and seeking treatment.
“We partnered with this team for a residential development project, and the results exceeded our expectations. From planning to execution, every detail was handled with professionalism and precision.”
I sit with people and go to church and the market without fear
IMPACT IN FOCUS
For years, TERREWODE has been helping women and girls affected by obstetric fistula regain their health, dignity and independence. Through treatment, rehabilitation, reintegration, community outreach and advocacy, TERREWODE continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of survivors and their communities
Our Work
We bring together prevention, holistic treatment and individualized reintegration to support women and girls affected by obstetric fistula and other preventable childbirth injuries. Our work centres on their needs and rights, while strengthening health services and addressing the social inequalities that put them at risk.
