BO, Sierra Leone, 19 July 2024 – The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Government of Iceland and other partners, officially opened a dedicated Obstetric Fistula Operation Theatre at Bo Government Hospital on 19 July 2024. This new facility will provide specialized care for repairing obstetric fistulas, offering women and girls living with the condition essential treatment to restore their health and dignity.
Obstetric fistula is a severe childbirth injury caused by prolonged and obstructed labour, leading to incontinence and often resulting in chronic health challenges including depression and social isolation for affected women and girls. Factors such as child marriage, adolescent pregnancy, lack of access to healthcare and poverty increase the risk of having a fistula.
UNFPA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the Government of Iceland and other partners, is implementing a comprehensive five-year programme to eliminate obstetric fistula in Sierra Leone. This initiative focuses on institutionalizing fistula treatment, strengthening prevention, and supporting reintegration of survivors back into their communities, while also enhancing the quality of reproductive health services in health facilities in six districts. The opening of the theatre represents a landmark achievement in advancing institutionalization of fistula surgeries within government health facilities.
In her keynote address at the opening ceremony, Matron Mary Fullah, the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, remarked that the new facility represents a significant milestone not only for the Ministry of Health but also for every woman in Sierra Leone affected by fistula. "Fistula robs women of their dignity, health, social life, and their rightful place in their communities," she said. "Today, we are taking a major step towards restoring dignity, healing, and hope for women and girls."
Dr. Tom Sesay, Director of Reproductive and Child Health at the Ministry of Health noted, “This is the first time we have a dedicated fistula surgical theatre exclusively for fistula cases—a significant achievement we should all be proud of.” The new surgical theatre has been refurbished with state-of-the-art equipment, which includes surgical instruments, operation tables, lights, life-support devices and diagnostic tools essential for the treatment and management of obstetric fistula.
Dr. Dan Okoro, the UNFPA Maternal and Reproductive Health Specialist, expressed enthusiasm about the new facility: “We are excited to witness the profound impact that the new fistula surgery theatre will have in enhancing healthcare and restoring the dignity of women in Sierra Leone.” He added that the advanced equipment will not only facilitate crucial fistula surgeries but also support a range of other obstetric emergencies. ‘’This initiative is expected to directly contribute to reducing preventable maternal deaths and improving overall maternal health in Sierra Leone.’’
In his remarks, the Programme Director at the Embassy of Iceland in Sierra Leone, Kjartan Atli Oskarsson, emphasized the importance of strengthening maternal and neonatal health services, building robust systems, and providing comprehensive support for fistula survivors. He stated, "We have full confidence that the team here in Bo will utilize the provided equipment with a high level of skill and efficiency. We are certain that this enhanced capacity will be hugely beneficial for the community and will significantly strengthen healthcare conditions in this region."
Paramount Chief PC Foray Bundoh, highlighted the critical role of awareness raising in combating fistula, especially in rural areas. He remarked, "As traditional leaders, we are dedicated to ensuring that this message reaches every corner of our communities." He noted that the condition predominantly affects women in rural areas who often lack awareness about it, adding "we will ensure that those living with this condition know there is now a specialized theatre available to treat fistula."
Feremusu, a fistula survivor, shared her powerful story, detailing the challenges she faced and the hope that came with partners’ interventions. She recounted how she tragically lost her baby during delivery. "I was left paralyzed, and faecal matter began to leak uncontrollably," she said. Overwhelmed, she considered taking her own life, but her mother intervened. "My mother stopped me and encouraged me to fight on," she added.
After undergoing a successful repair surgery at Aberdeen Women’s Centre, Feremusu received reintegration support from Haikal Foundation, where she learned tailoring, soap making, tie-dyeing, and needlework. "I graduated from Haikal, and two years later, I got married and gave birth," she said, expressing deep gratitude to the government and partners. She urged others, "Please, don't let anyone tell you that fistula is not curable. You can be healed."
Since the initiative's inception, 745 patients have been screened for fistula, and 242 fistula patients have undergone surgery. Additionally, 170 fistula patients have received extended life-skills training and reintegration support, and over 11,000 people have been reached with messages to raise awareness of the condition and prevent its occurrence.
Media contact: Islander Kabia/Communications Unit/UNFPA Sierra Leone/ikabia@unfpa.org
