For Immediate Release
January 25, 2004

Johnson & Johnson announces $250,000 grant for fistula prevention in Ethiopia

Throughout the developing world, debilitating childbirth injuries such as obstetric fistula continue to rob young women of health, dignity and a chance at motherhood. In an effort to support community health and prevention of obstetric fistula in Ethiopia, The Johnson & Johnson Family of Contributions Fund has donated $250,000 to American Friends Foundation for Childbirth Injuries (AFFCI).

Obstetric fistula, a complication of childbirth that can lead to incontinence and nerve damage if left untreated, is a crippling problem in Ethiopia. AFFCI, a nonprofit organization, raises funds on behalf of the world's preeminent fistula hospital based in Addis Ababa.

The grant from the Johnson & Johnson Family of Contributions Fund will be used to fund Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital's implementation of training programs that reach, among others, doctors, midwives, traditional birth attendants and the rural public to increase awareness of obstetric fistula, its cause and means of prevention.

It will also fund those of Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital's programs of services aimed at reducing the incidence of fistula and death during childbirth or to increase the likelihood of successful deliveries. An effort to procure donated medical supplies through collaboration with U.S. based nonprofits such as Direct Relief International will also be implemented.

With significant charitable donations like the one received by The Johnson & Johnson Family of Contributions, large numbers of African women will regain their health and happiness and a sense of purpose in their communities.