Webuye County Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. Simon Kisaka has disclosed that an estimated 10,000 women suffer from fistula every year.
Speaking to the press on Tuesday, Dr Kisaka attributed fistula to prolonged obstructed labour, often leading to stigma and isolation among affected women.
“Many of the fistula patients in our wards express difficulties in sharing their experiences, with their husbands and relatives often distancing themselves,” noted Dr. Kisaka.
He emphasized the profound impact of fistula on women’s dignity and urged them to seek screening and medical attention at health facilities.
Dr. Kisaka commended the efforts of the Bungoma County Ministry of Health and Sanitation, led by Dr. Andrew Wamalwa, along with partners such as the Mpesa Foundation, Flying Doctors, and AMREF, for organizing fistula camps at Webuye County Hospital.
These camps have provided crucial surgical interventions aimed at restoring women’s dignity.
“The frequent fistula camps at our facility have been instrumental in restoring the dignity of women, and I encourage those still in the villages to seek treatment,” he remarked.
This year, Dr. Kisaka revealed that the facility, with the support of its partners, aimed to conduct 40 surgeries, surpassing the target already. Screening efforts continue unabated, with 268 patients screened, 40 admitted, and over 30 surgeries performed.
Dr Kisaka also highlighted the psychological toll of fistula, which often leads to depression, family breakdowns, and suicidal thoughts.
Patients seeking fistula treatment at the facility come from various counties, including Busia, Kisumu, Nairobi, Nakuru, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Nandi, Kakamega, Bungoma, and even neighbouring Uganda. Notably, the facility attended to a woman battling fistula for 40 years.
**Bungoma County CEC for Health and Sanitation Dr Andrew Wamalwa** underscored that teenage mothers are particularly vulnerable to fistula due to early pregnancies when their bodies are not fully developed.
He linked female genital mutilation (FGM) as a major contributor to fistula cases, especially in communities where the outlawed cultural practice persists.
Dr Wamalwa discouraged home deliveries, emphasizing the higher risks of birth injuries compared to skilled delivery in health facilities.
He proudly announced that Bungoma County has achieved an 88% rate of skilled delivery, encouraging pregnant women to seek hospital delivery services.
IAN BYRON