A LOCAL non-governmental organisation, Women and Health Alliance International (WAHA), is offering free repair surgeries for women suffering from obstetric fistula which leaves some women leaking urine or excreta.
By Phyllis Mbanje
According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), obstetric fistula is one of the most serious and tragic childbirth injuries.
It is a hole between the birth canal and bladder or rectum caused by prolonged, obstructed labour. Without treatment, it leaves women leaking urine, faeces or both, and often leads to chronic medical problems, depression, social isolation and deepening poverty.
WAHA, which specialises in maternal and reproductive health programmes in 16 countries in Africa, has been offering repairs to women who are suffering from obstetric fistula since March this year.
“This year in Zimbabwe, we offer full patient cover, including transport money from their home town to Chinhoyi where we will be establishing a semi-permanent presence, and full cover of all medical bills associated with the repair surgery,” Obstetric Fistula Campaign outreach co-ordinator Fortunate Mabhande said. This is part of a bigger campaign to end obstetric fistula in the world.
More than two million women in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, the Arab region, and Latin America and the Caribbean are estimated to be living with fistula, and some 50 000 to 100 000 new cases develop annually.
Yet it is almost entirely preventable. Its persistence is a sign that health systems are failing to protect the health and human rights of the most vulnerable women and girls. Mabhande said it has been noted that many women were suffering in silence and were too embarrassed to seek help on their own. “We are encouraging more women to phone us and we will be able to help them. From August 13, we will be operating from Chinhoyi,” she said.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
So far, more than 100 women have undergone the corrective surgeries.
“We intend to target communities like Marange where some religious groups are practicising early marriage. Young girls are most at risk of developing obstetric fistula as their bodies have not reached full maturation.”
