35 out of the 300 women who have been screened for fistula at the Embu Level 5 hospital have will this week undergo surgery. The drive is being supported by Safaricom Foundation, Freedom from Fistula Foundation and Flying Doctors Society of Africa.
“We seek to raise awareness on obstetric fistula and mobilize women suffering from this condition to come forward for surgery to rectify the condition,” Said, Geroge Mbyuki Head of Mt Kenya region Safaricom.
A recently published report by Amref Health Africa on the prevalence of obstetric fistula estimates that more than 6 million women in Kenya suffer from the condition, which is caused by prolonged or obstructed labour.
“We believe that this exercise will restore the dignity of the women. They will be relieved of the constant incontinence, shame, social segregation and health problems. This way they will be able to be productive in society again,” Said, Margaret Wanjiru, Director, Freedom from Fistula Foundation.
Last week, Safaricom Foundation launched its three-year strategic roadmap, which commits to focus on health, economic empowerment and education. Within the health pillar, the foundation will focus on deploying maternal health interventions across the country.
