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## Support for Groundbreaking “ Action on Fistula ” Program for Treating Obstetric Fistula* in Kenya 

Astellas has committed € 1.5 million to establish Action on Fistula , an initiative that will be led by the charity Fistula Foundation from 2014 to 2017. This funding will provide support for the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Competency Based Training Program in Kenya. By increasing the number of fistula surgeons, the program will significantly boost the number of surgeries that take place in the country. A Fistula Treatment Network will also be created across Kenya and a major outreach program will be conducted with community workers identifying patients and encouraging them to access available treatment. 

* An obstetric fistula is a hole between the vagina and rectum or bladder, causing incontinence. It is caused by prolonged obstructed labor when emergency care is unavailable. Untreated, fistula can lead to chronic medical problems including ulcerations, kidney diseases and nerve damage in the legs. Whilst virtually eradicated in developed countries, the United Nations Population Fund estimates 3,000 new cases of obstetric fistula occur annually in Kenya, with approximately 1 to 2 fistulas for every 1,000 deliveries. 

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For details, please visit the following website. Action on Fistula  Program http://www.astellas.eu/action-on-fistula/ 

## Support for Patients 

Astellas conducts a variety of patient support activities to provide assistance to patients fighting illnesses, and their family members, on a global basis. 

## Starlight Partners Activities (Support for Patients Associations) 

Astellas promotes Starlight Partners Activities in Japan as part of efforts to support the self-reliance and development of patients associations. Astellas Peer Support Training Sessions are held for a wide range of participants, including patients and their families, along with people who have recently formed patients associations. The training sessions help participants understand the principle of peer support, where people who share the same concerns and problems seek to understand and support one other as counselors and obtain peer support techniques. In fiscal 2013, Astellas Peer Support Training Sessions were held in three locations across Japan, attended by 26 organizations and 33 people. 

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For details, please visit the following website. Starlight Partners Activities http://www.astellas.com/en/csr/social/patient/ 

## Philanthropic Community Contribution Activities 

## Group-wide Volunteer Activities Changing Tomorrow Day 

Astellas Group employees around the world conduct a diverse range of volunteer activities to contribute to their local communities based on their support to promote health- care and maintain the environment. In fiscal 2013, more than 8,000 employees participated in 33 countries worldwide. 

