{"id":8586,"date":"2025-02-21T13:20:26","date_gmt":"2025-02-21T13:20:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mariestopes.or.ug\/?p=8586"},"modified":"2025-02-21T15:16:30","modified_gmt":"2025-02-21T15:16:30","slug":"restoring-hope-and-dignity-for-women-affected-by-fistula","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mariestopes.or.ug\/lg\/msug-news-and-updates\/restoring-hope-and-dignity-for-women-affected-by-fistula\/","title":{"rendered":"Okuzzaawo Essuubi n'Ekitiibwa eri Abakyala Abakoseddwa Fistula"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Restoring
Restoring Hope and Dignity for Women Affected by Fistula<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Winnie became a mother at 17, had her second child at 19, but tragically lost her third in 2023 due to a stillbirth that left her with obstetric fistula. [Click to listen to her story].<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When labor began, Winnie sought medical care at a local health facility. Despite her efforts, she was unable to deliver successfully and was referred to a Health Centre IV. By the time she arrived, her baby had passed away in the womb. The doctors performed an evacuation procedure, and she was discharged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soon after returning home, Winnie noticed that she had lost control of her bladder, experiencing continuous, uncontrollable urination. She had developed obstetric fistula.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The constant smell of urine led to social rejection. People mocked and avoided her, assuming she was unclean. The stigma took a toll on her mental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

“I was tortured mentally and emotionally, spending countless days crying. I told my husband I couldn\u2019t live like this anymore. I wanted to end my life. I felt isolated and completely alone.”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

For a year, Winnie lived with the condition, desperately searching for treatment. A hospital visit revealed that surgical repair would cost between 10 and 20 million Uganda shillings – an impossible amount for her family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In September 2024, Winnie heard a radio announcement about a free surgical camp in Jinja for women with her condition. Determined to reclaim her life, she made the journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

“I decided to go, and thankfully, I received the care I needed. My dignity has been restored.”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Winnie is one of the 115 women who have undergone life-changing fistula repair surgeries through the Survivors Treatment of Obstetric Fistula Prevention (STOP) Programme, a three-year initiative funded by the Embassy of Iceland through United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The programme, implemented by Marie Stopes Uganda<\/a> in partnership with the Ministry of Health<\/a>, local governments, and the Association of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Uganda, aims to<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2705 Reduce maternal morbidity caused by obstetric fistula<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2705 Restore dignity through corrective surgery<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2705 Support rehabilitation and social reintegration of survivors<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ending Fistula, One Surgery at a Time<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Obstetric fistula is preventable and treatable. It often results from prolonged, obstructed labor, particularly among young mothers whose bodies are not yet fully developed for childbirth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through timely medical care, skilled birth attendance, and access to contraception, women can avoid this debilitating condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With continued support and awareness, more women like Winnie can be given a second chance at life<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Surgical camps happen monthly. If you know someone who could benefit from this program, please share this information.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information or referrals, Call for free: 0800 220 333 or WhatsApp: 0707 713 301<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Fistula
Fistula Camp February 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Winnie became a mother at 17, had her second child at 19, but tragically lost her third in 2023 due to a stillbirth that left her with obstetric fistula. [Click to listen to her story]. …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":8588,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[19],"post_tag":[],"class_list":["post-8586","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-msug-news-and-updates"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nRestoring Hope and Dignity for Women Affected by Fistula - Marie Stopes Uganda<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Obstetric fistula is preventable and treatable. 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