Freedom From Fistula Foundation, Paul McNeil

Visit the homepage of the Gloag Foundation HERE for links to its activities

Our speaker, Paul McNeil, explained his responsibilities in relation to two of the major philanthropic activities of the Gloag Foundation set up by Ann Gloag OBE

- Freedom from Fistula Foundation

- Kenya Childrens Home

The former of these is concerned with treatment required after poor maternal health care - generally incontinence - such that the suffererers can be banished from their community. Paul said that it could be referred to as the 'Hidden Problem'.

Ann Gloag is a great believer in hands-on nursing and this was evidenced by her cancellation of important meetings with African officialdom to allow her to personally look after the hourly needs of a malnourished patient.

The Fistula Care Service is active in Sierra Leone (temporarily suspended due to ebola) where the holistic care costs 1.2 million dollars per year; in Lilongwe, Malawi where there are close links with Rotary for midwife training; in Kenya where the service majors on care & prevention.

With guidance from our Club member, Allan Maclaughlan, the activity in Malawi has recently qualified for a Rotary International Global Grant to fund the three year training of new midwives.

The Kenya Childrens Home started with the care of abandoned babies (often found in buses on return to depot) and the activity in that country now includes the orphanage, outreach, schools and an adoption society - looking after around 2,000 children at any one time.

A most informative meeting of great interest to members who showed their appreciation following the vote of thanks from Ken Lindsay.

Report by Ian Greig