Health Poverty Action is helping women and girls to overcome the debilitating childbirth injury of obstetric fistula in remote areas of Sierra Leone.
60 women will receive repair surgery and thousands of others will learn how to avoid exposing themselves to the risk of fistula.
One of the most serious injuries of childbirth is obstetric fistula, caused by prolonged labour where there is no access to emergency obstetric care such as caesareans. The baby is usually lost and the damage to her body causes the woman to leak urine and/or faeces, most often resulting in social isolation, depression and deepening poverty.
Through this project, women with fistula are being located deep in the villages of Northern Bombali and referred for repair surgery which they are often unaware is available. Following surgery, they are able to live full lives again, and even have a child by caesarean in future.
We are also training women who have recovered from fistula as advocates, telling other women and girls how important it is to give birth at health facilities. They also help to identify women who need surgery and accompany them for screening.
“I am happy to talk to other people to help them avoid what happened to me. I also want them to have the chance to have repair surgery if they need it. I advise my friends and sisters to give birth at the health centre to avoid these problems”.
Jemi – one of our fistula advocates.
Our baseline survey revealed that 71% of people felt that women living with fistula in their villages are treated badly by others in the community.
Our training materials tell the story of Fatu, who couldn’t deliver safely at home. An agonising journey by boat and hammock followed to try and reach the health centre. Her baby was stillborn and she developed fistula. Fortunately she learnt that help was available and was successfully repaired.
Last modified: 27/06/2011
