Restoring dignity: The Flying Doctors’ Initiative to eliminate Female Genital Fistula in women and girls #AD

FGF manifests as an abnormal communication between the urinary bladder or rectum and the vagina, resulting in uncontrolled, continuous leakage of urine and/or stool.

Behind the suffering, there is hope for women and girls affected by the condition as Fistula is treatable and preventable.

In addition, early intervention and proper maternal care can prevent fistula. Communities are also central in supporting the fight against fistula by identifying and assisting women with fistula conditions.

In a bid to restore dignity to women and girls, The Flying Doctors’ Society of Africa in collaboration with Amref Health Africa in Kenya has embarked on a campaign to provide free routine comprehensive screening.

The exercise is currently taking place in various hospitals within Bungoma, Kiambu and Kilifi County. Amref Health Africa & Flying Doctors Society of Africa work in collaboration with respective County Departments of Health, with funding from the M-PESA Foundation.

Women and girls who may be leaking urine and or stool are called upon to attend the free screening in nearby Sub-County health facilities.

The initiative aims to eradicate Female Genital Fistula by 2030 through integrated preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative interventions.

The 2-year programme also focuses on strengthening health systems at different tiers to offer quality maternal and newborn health services, including Female Genital Fistula care services.

A key aspect of the programme is to raise awareness about Female Genital Fistula, emphasize prevention, and promote access to treatment at local health facilities.

The sub-county facilities are as below in the respective counties;

Kiambu sub-county facilities;

1. Tigoni Level 4 Hospital
2. Ruiru Sub-County Hospital
3. Limuru Health Centre
4. Kiandutu Health Centre
5. Karuri Hospital Kiambaa
6. Thika Level 5 Hospital
7. Gatundu Level 5 Hospital
8. Igegania Level 4 Hospital
9. Kigumo Level 4 Hospital
10. Kiambu Level 5 Hospital
11. Lusigetti Level 4 Hospital
12. Gikambura Health Centre
13. Gichuru Health Centre
14. Wangige Level 4 Hospital
15. Jujafarm Health Centre
16. Gachororo Health Centre
    

Kilifi sub-county facilities

1. Magarini Marafa SCH and Gongoni H/C
2. Malindi Malindi SCH
3. Ganze Bamba SCH
4. Kaloleni Mariakani SCH
5. Rabai Rabai S.C.H
6. Kilifi South Mtwapa S.C.H and Vipingo H/C
7. Kilifi North Kilifi County Referral

Bungoma sub-county facilities

1. Webuye East Sinoko SCH
2. Webuye West Bokoli SCH
3. Tongaren Karima H/C
4. Kimilili Kimilili SCH
5. Kabuchai Chwele S.C.H
6. Cheptais Cheptais S.C.H
7. Mt Elgon Mt Elgon SCH
8. Sirisia Sirisia SCH
9. Kanduyi Bungoma CRH