Miss Norway, Miss Uganda in Fistula awareness campaign
Miss Norway-Beauty with a Purpose Program has partnered with Miss Uganda for a Fistula Awareness Campaign which will be launched on the 2nd of October 2018 at the Norwegian Ambassador to Uganda's residence, Ambassador Susan Eckey.
Fistula awareness-raising campaign is aimed at increasing the general understanding of this condition and curb the stigma that comes with it
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Miss Uganda Quiin Abenakyo will champion Water and Sanitation while Miss World Norway Madelen Michelsen and Miss Universe Norway, Susanne Næss Guttorm will focus on Fistula awareness campaigns at the Miss World and Miss Universe finals to be held in China and Thailand in December.
Water and Sanitation is very necessary for the women suffering from Fistula because they need to wash themselves regularly and also drink a lot of water, that is why we are happy to work together on these causes” says Janet Nalugya, Miss Uganda project coordinator.
The campaign is supported by the Ministry of Health Uganda, United Nations Association of Uganda, Ministry of Tourism Uganda, Women at Work International, and the Uganda Health Communication Alliance.
The Campaign was initiated in 2017 by Monica Akech after watching a documentary about Fistula in Ethiopia (A walk to beautiful) which showcased the desperate situations poor vulnerable women went through and how their lives transformed after treatment.
Monica, 33 is a Ugandan based in Norway and the Program manager of Beauty with a Purpose -Miss Norway Organisation and Managing Director of Afrost Events and Afrost Foundation.
Afrost Events, based in Western Norway, specialises in creating and managing mega events which highlight humanitarian causes.
The seven-day campaign seeks to implore and explore interactive sessions and debates amongst the high schools and universities in Uganda on the topic reproductive health and Fistula.
The sessions will also involve radio and TV talk shows programs which will be coordinated by Richard Tinkasimire Baguma- Secretary General, United Nations Association of Uganda and a Charity walk which will also be spearheaded by Halima Namakula, Founder, Women At Work International.
“As we campaign about health issues, this is also a platform for us to work with beauty queens to promote event tourism in Uganda, showcase what the health sector is doing while encouraging more people to visit the country and explore its nature and culture,” Akech said.
Fistula is a condition affecting over 2 million women worldwide, yet treatable but most people are unaware of it or do not know how to deal with Fistula survivors..
Uganda is ranked as the 3rd country most affected by Fistula, doctors have done a tremendous job in trying to assist women with various health issues, including fistula and it serves as a perfect place to launch a fistula awareness campaign.
