Over 30 women living with fistula-related complications in Kilifi County will receive free surgeries and medical advice at a week-long free Fistula Camp in Kilifi County Hospital.
The exercise, which is being carried out in partnership with Flying Doctors Society of Africa, M-PESA Foundation, UNFPA and Amref, aims to create awareness about fistula and the importance of quality maternal health services. So far, the M-PESA Foundation has invested over KES 15 million to support 5 Fistula camps in Meru, Bungoma, Kilifi and Nyeri counties
“We believe in partnerships that create impact, and through this initiative, we are able to reach women who need our help the most. We also aim to reduce stigmatisation of women with fistula through sensitisation programmes,” said Karen Basiye, Executive Director, M-PESA Foundation.
The partnership aims to sensitise the public through education, information and advocacy.
This partnership, which was officially launched last year in Webuye County Hospital, seeks to provide fistula treatment and surgery to over 200 women in Bungoma, Kilifi, Nyeri and Meru counties. So far, over 100 have undergone surgeries and 400 screened and treated from Bungoma and Nyeri Counties.
“Our programmes strive to offer hope, create awareness and reduce stigma for those living with fistula. We believe that through these medical camps and public education, we will restore the dignity of women and girls in Kenya and support the government’s achievements to eradicate fistula by 2030,” said Ms. Tanya Nduati, CEO of Flying Doctors’ Society of Africa.
The fistula camps kicked off on Friday and will run until Thursday 31st March. Extensive screening of patients has been ongoing in various health facilities to identify women who need the surgery. Check-ups included breast, cervical, and prostate cancer screening.
“Amref Health Africa is committed to working with the government and partners in strengthening health systems to better serve mothers and newborns. The most cost-effective way to reduce complications such as fistula is through access to quality care and well-trained health professionals with midwifery skills during childbirth,” said Dr. Meshack Ndirangu, Country Director, Amref Health Africa in Kenya.
The World Health Organisation has termed fistula as the single most dramatic aftermath of neglected childbirth and estimates that more than 2 million women live with fistula worldwide. It is estimated that 3,000 new fistula cases are recorded in Kenya each year, and only 7.5 per cent of the women are able to access medical care.
This means that every year, more than 2,700 women with new fistula cases do not receive the necessary medical care.
