Fistula Foundation marks international day to end obstetric fistula in Kisii

The International Day to End Obstetric Fistula was commemorated at Gusii Stadium in Kisii County, an event organized by Ministry of Health in collaboration with Fistula Foundation and other key stakeholders.

The day began with a walk from Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital to Gusii Stadium, aimed at raising awareness and accelerating efforts to eliminate obstetric fistula, a severe yet preventable childbirth injury.

Globally, over one million women are estimated to live with untreated obstetric fistula, with 3,000 new cases reported each year.

However, only 7.5% of those affected receive the treatment they need. In Kenya, the condition remains prevalent in rural areas where women often give birth at home without access to skilled birth attendants or emergency obstetric care.

This year’s theme, “Her Health, Her Right: Shaping a Future Without Fistula,” emphasized the need to empower women and girls with knowledge, access to timely care, and the right to safe and dignified childbirth experiences.

While delivering the Governor’s speech, Kisii Deputy Governor Elijah Obebo said, “Last year, 428 women received surgical repair for fistula complications at county health facilities.”

He also noted that in the past six days, over 50 patients have undergone free surgical treatment at Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital during the ongoing fistula camp.

He added that the County has implemented measures such as expanding maternal and newborn health services, training and deploying skilled birth attendants, and strengthening referral systems to address the issue.

Nelson Musa, Program Director at the Fistula Foundation, thanked the County and National governments for their support.

“The foundation is keen on expanding its collaborative network of hospitals, training more healthcare providers and community actors with the aim of connecting women in all parts of Kenya with timely, high-quality care for obstetric fistulas. The goal is to reduce and eventually eliminate wait times for treatment,” he said.

Ronald Nyakweba, Kisii County Executive Committee Member for Medical Services, Public Health, and Sanitation, said the department will intensify outreach efforts in rural areas.

He announced that the county government has allocated funds for the construction of a new block at Gucha Sub-County Referral Hospital, which is expected to improve healthcare services and ease congestion at Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital.

He also urged the Fistula Foundation team to ensure more patients receive treatment at the upgraded facility.

The event concluded with the Ministry of Health launching the Obstetric Fistula Kenya Program Playbook, a guide aimed at improving monitoring and evaluation and enhancing the delivery of routine fistula prevention, treatment, and postoperative care.