FREETOWN, Sierra Leone – 23 May 2025 — Sierra Leone joined the global community in commemorating the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula with a national event in Freetown, hosted by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with UNFPA, the Government of Iceland, and key partners including Aberdeen Women’s Centre and the Haikal Foundation.

Held under the theme “Her Health, Her Right: Shaping a Future Without Fistula”, the event brought together senior government officials, development partners, health professionals, community leaders, and fistula survivors to celebrate progress and galvanize further action.

Obstetric fistula is a childbirth injury that leaves women and girls incontinent, isolates, stigmatizes, and robs them of their livelihoods, their families, and their place in society. It is a stark manifestation of inequality, often affecting the most vulnerable – those with limited access to quality healthcare, those living in poverty, and those facing harmful traditional practices. Yet, the condition is entirely preventable and treatable, especially when skilled midwives and healthcare workers are empowered to provide quality, respectful maternity care.

Tangible Progress Through Partnership

With support from the Government of Iceland, UNFPA is implementing a five-year national programme alongside the Ministry of Health, focusing on prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration of survivors driven by skilled midwives and health workers at the forefront of care, aligned with Sierra Leone’s National Strategy to End Obstetric Fistula

Key achievements from 2024 include:

• Over 700 women and girls screened, with more than 200 receiving successful surgical repairs.
• All treated survivors received comprehensive post-operative care, including counseling and life skills training. 
• More than 400,000 people were reached with awareness messages on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and obstetric fistula prevention through mass media.
• 36,000 women and girls accessed quality integrated SRH services across 15 facilities in six districts.
• Enhanced the capacity of health facilities for prevention of fistula through training of 642 health workers and refurbishing of the operating theatre in Bo Government hospital, and Barbara Community Health Center

 In his keynote address, Chief Minister Dr. Moinina David Sengeh underscored the Government’s ongoing investment and commitments to improving maternal health outcomes in the country:

The young, the poor, those in rural and remote areas, and those who suffer in silence from this preventable and treatable condition need us now,” said Dr. Sengeh. “We know there’s more to do, and yes, we see the impact of what we are doing now. In less than 10 years, we have reduced maternal mortality by a further 60%. Our commitment is to ensure that we have zero preventable maternal deaths, zero obstetric fistula cases, and better healthcare for all.

The Deputy Minister of Health, Prof. Charles Senessie reaffirmed the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that every woman has the right to a safe childbirth and a life free from the burden of fistula:

    We are actively working to integrate fistula prevention and treatment into our broader national health strategies, including reproductive health programmes and primary healthcare services. This will ensure that fistula care is not isolated but rather a fundamental component of our overall commitment to women's well-being.

Ásdís Bjarnadóttir, Head of Mission for the Government of Iceland, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Health for their commitments to the elimination of obstetric fistula programme and emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach:

Addressing obstetric fistula through a holistic approach to sexual and reproductive health and rights is critical to closing the gap. Strengthening health systems and improving quality of care are vital—not only to prevent new cases of fistula but to ensure lasting and sustained progress.’’ She added that Iceland is to support national efforts that align with the Government’s Big Five Game Changers. 

UNFPA Officer-in- Charge, Sibeso Mululuma,  emphasized the Agency’s sustained support in ending preventable maternal deaths and reaching the furthest behind first:

“Our commitment as UNFPA is not just a promise; it is a pledge to stand alongside the women and girls of Sierra Leone until fistula is no longer a reality in this nation. By working together with shared vision and determination, we can end fistula by 2030 and ensure every woman experiences safe childbirth and lives with dignity and health. Together, we can shape that future.

 

Betty Sama, a fistula survivor and now a Fistula Champion, shared her story of how she overcame obstetric fistula and shared a powerful message of hope:

To all women affected by obstetric fistula, never lose hope. Healing is possible. I once believed I would never be whole again, but today I stand healed, confident, and unashamed—able to connect with others and embrace life fully.

Other speakers who highlighted their commitments included the Paramount Chief Alhaji Sheku Marrah, representatives from Aberdeen Women’s Centre and Haikal Foundation..

Ahead of the commemorative event on 22 May, UNFPA and the Ministry of Health conducted an awareness campaign at health facilities to raise awareness, promote prevention, and encourage women living with the condition to seek the care they deserve.

This year’s observance reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s strong national resolve, reinforced by partnerships and survivor advocacy, to create a future free from obstetric fistula. Together, with shared determination, we can end fistula by 2030 and ensure every woman experiences safe, respectful, and dignified childbirth.

Media Contacts: Islander Kabia | Communications Unit| UNFPA Sierra Leone | ikabia@unfpa.org