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].
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.
Soon after returning home, Winnie noticed that she had lost control of her bladder, experiencing continuous, uncontrollable urination. She had developed obstetric fistula.
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.
“I was tortured mentally and emotionally, spending countless days crying. I told my husband I couldn’t live like this anymore. I wanted to end my life. I felt isolated and completely alone.”
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.
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.
“I decided to go, and thankfully, I received the care I needed. My dignity has been restored.”
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).
The programme, implemented by Marie Stopes Uganda in partnership with the Ministry of Health, local governments, and the Association of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Uganda, aims to
✅ Reduce maternal morbidity caused by obstetric fistula
✅ Restore dignity through corrective surgery
✅ Support rehabilitation and social reintegration of survivors
Ending Fistula, One Surgery at a Time
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.
Through timely medical care, skilled birth attendance, and access to contraception, women can avoid this debilitating condition.
With continued support and awareness, more women like Winnie can be given a second chance at life
Surgical camps happen monthly. If you know someone who could benefit from this program, please share this information.
For more information or referrals, Call for free: 0800 220 333 or WhatsApp: 0707 713 301
