Question 1

Who is Barbara May Foundation?

Accepted Answer

The Barbara May Foundation (www.barbaramayfoundation.com), founded in 2009 supports the work of Australians Valerie Browning, and her nephew, Dr Andrew Browning and their teams to provide access to safe maternal healthcare to some of Africa's poorest women.

Question 2

Who is Dr Andrew Browning?

Accepted Answer

Dr Andrew Browning is an Australian-trained obstetrician and gynaecologist who has worked in Sub-Saharan Africa for many years as a senior fistula surgeon.  You can read more about Andrew here: https://barbaramayfoundation.com/dr-andrew-browning

Question 3

Who is Michael Hynds?

Accepted Answer

Michael Hynds, a Chartered Accountant, comes from Northern Ireland.  In 2012, he took up positions in Kenya and Sierra Leone for a UK-based charity, specializing in education and healthcare.  Since 2019, he has worked with BMF in Tanzania, and is the Country Director for Maternity Africa.

Question 4

What is Maternity Africa?

Accepted Answer

Maternity Africa (www.maternityafrica.org) is a Tanzanian-based organisation supported by BMF, which operates a maternity hospital, serving vulnerable and marginalized women in northern Tanzania.  Maternity Africa will shortly commence construction of a second hospital in another underserved region.

Question 5

What is obstetric fistula?

Accepted Answer

Obstetric fistula is a severe injury caused by an obstructed labour that can occur to a woman in childbirth.  A woman can go labour for up to 10 days, causing terrible injury, usually a stillborn child, and in the worst cases, the woman dies.

Question 6

How is obstetric fistula so dreadful?

Accepted Answer

Often women go untreated for years, suffering ongoing pain, degradation and isolation. They leak urine, and/or faeces continually.  Their communities. husbands and families often reject them, leading to severe depression, suicide attempts and a life of abject poverty.

Question 7

How is obstetic fistula treated?

Accepted Answer

Dr Andrew Browning is considered one of the leading obstetric fistula surgeons in the world.  Life-changing surgeries take from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the severity of a woman's injuries.  In most cases, the woman can go home, healed and dry.

Question 8

How is obstetric fistula prevented?

Accepted Answer

By providing access to good, evidence-based maternal healthcare, including safe Caesarean Section available 24/7.  The hospitals supported by Barbara May Foundation provide such facilities.

Question 9

Do women have to pay for services?

Accepted Answer

No.  All of the services provided by hospitals supported by Barbara May Foundation are completely free of charge, thanks to the generosity of our wonderfully kind supporters.

Question 10

How can I find out more about Barbara May Foundation?

Accepted Answer

Here is our wesbiste: https://barbaramayfoundation.com/

Question 11

How can I find out more about Maternity Africa?

Accepted Answer

Here is our website: http://www.maternityafrica.org/

Question 12

How can I donate, including increasing my donation using Gift Aid?

Accepted Answer

BMF's UK partner, IMPACT Foundation UK, administers UK-based donations for us, including a facility for you to increase your donation by adding 25% through Gift Aid  (UK Taxpayers only).  You can donate quickly and easily online here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/barbaramayfoundation

Question 13

Who can I contact about the event on 13 April?

Accepted Answer

You can contact Michael Hynds at michaelhynds@maternityafrica.org.  Michael is also available on WhatsApp at 074 4969 5944.

Question 14

Is Dr Andrew Browning's book, A Doctor in Africa, available on Kindle?

Accepted Answer

Yes! And proceeds go towards he work of Barbara May Foundation.  Buy your copy here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Doctor-Africa-Andrew-Browning-ebook/dp/B08VW883QJ/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Africa comes to Belfast: Fundraising Gala Dinner for Barbara May Foundation