Let us enhance the battle against obstetric fistula to restore health, dignity, and hope to our women

A 2004 World Health Organization (WHO) report revealed that two to three million women worldwide were living with untreated fistulas in the early 2000s, with Africa shouldering the majority of the burden. The report estimated 50,000 to 100,000 new cases annually, highlighting an urgent need for global action.

In response, The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and its partners initiated the Global Campaign to End Fistula in 2003, which intended to eradicate obstetric fistula. The campaign is currently active in 55 countries. It focuses on four strategies: prevention, treatment, social reintegration, and advocacy, all driven by human rights principles such as non-discrimination, participation, and accountability.

Significant progress has been made since then. UNFPA reports a decline in new fistula cases to around 500,000, a testament to the concerted efforts of various stakeholders.

This shows that this fight is a collaborative effort if we want to achieve our goals. Here in Kenya, an example of this is the partnership between the M-PESA Foundation, Amref Health Africa, and the Flying Doctor's Society of Africa, among other partners. The "Integrated Fistula Programme" aims to eradicate fistula in Kenya by 2030.

Lucille Aveva, Director, Customer Obsessions, Safaricom PLC, presents a dignity pack to a patient during a free fistula camp held in May last year at Webuye County Hospital in Bungoma County.

Cultural practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM) and early marriage significantly increase the risk of obstructed labour and fistula. Additionally, a lack of awareness about the condition leads to social stigma. Women affected by fistulas often face detestation, which adds emotional and psychological trauma to their physical pain.

Looking ahead to 2030, we must prioritise comprehensive systemic changes to complement the ongoing initiatives to eradicate obstetric fistula. This requires enhancing healthcare systems by investing in infrastructure, training, and referral networks to enable universal access to high-quality maternal care.

Additionally, integrating comprehensive sex education into curricula and outreach programs can empower women and girls to make informed decisions and seek timely medical attention. This education will also benefit men, who are often the perpetrators of stigma, fostering a more supportive environment for affected women.

By prioritising marginalised communities and bridging existing gaps, we can create an environment in which every woman can have a safe and dignified childbirth without the burden of an obstetric fistula.

Migori County First Lady (L), Dr Agnes Ayacko and Safaricom Foundation Chairman Joe Ogutu engage with a patient who received free fistula reconstructive surgery during the Migori Fistula Camp at Migori County Hospital in May last year.

With less than ten years remaining to achieve the United Nations' target, there is an urgent need to intensify our efforts. Reflecting on two decades of progress, we must now focus on the road ahead. All stakeholders, governments, NGOs, healthcare providers, and private sector partners must reinforce their commitments, innovate solutions, and stand in solidarity to end obstetric fistula by 2030.

Every woman deserves a life free from this preventable condition, and together, we can make this a reality.

To learn more, click on https://youtu.be/33RAnuePkyA

The author, Joseph Ogutu, is the Chairman, Safaricom Foundation.