FREETOWN, Sierra Leone, 2 May 2024 - On 2 May, a high-level delegation from Iceland joined the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and partners at a ceremony celebrating the discharge of 21 women and girls from the Aberdeen Women’s Centre, following successful fistula surgery. 

Obstetric fistula, a devastating childbirth injury, often leads to chronic incontinence, social isolation, stigma, and economic hardship for women and girls affected by the condition. To support the elimination of obstetric fistula in Sierra Leone, UNFPA is partnering with the Ministry of Health and the Government of Iceland to implement a comprehensive five-year programme aimed at institutionalising fistula prevention and treatment, strengthening quality of health services, and supporting social reintegration of fistula survivors.

Speaking at the festive ceremony, Hawanatu Jalloh, a nurse and supervisor of the Fistula Department at Aberdeen Women’s Centre remarked, "it's like they were lost in the dark, struggling before their surgeries. But after undergoing repair surgeries, they've found their way into the light of healing. It's a journey worth celebrating." 

Dr. Tom Sesay, Director of Reproductive and Child Health at the Ministry of Health, emphasized the collective victory represented by the successful surgeries and the crucial role of partnerships in restoring women's health and dignity. ‘’It's truly remarkable to witness your transformation from where you were to where you are now,’’ stated Dr. Sesay. ‘’We're thankful for partners like UNFPA, the Government of Iceland, Aberdeen Women's Centre, and others, who stand closely with us in ensuring the restoration of your dignity."

The UNFPA Country Representative, Nadia Rasheed, commended the women and urged them to advocate for maternal healthcare and the prevention of child marriage and early pregnancy in their communities. ‘’Your voices are powerful instruments of change,’’ she stated, encouraging the women to become champions in helping other women to seek treatment and in advocating against harmful social norms that put women and girls at risk."

Speaking on behalf of the Icelandic delegation, Ms. Diljá Mist Einarsdóttir, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to witness the impact of the partnership between UNFPA and the Government of Iceland to help eliminate obstetric fistula. "Thank you for allowing us to share in this moment of celebration," she conveyed.

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 through Haikal Foundation, and over 11,000 people have been reached with messages to raise awareness of the condition and prevent its occurrence.

"We celebrate not only the physical healing and medical care these women have received but also the restoration of their dignity and hope for the future," expressed the Country Director of Aberdeen Women's Centre, Ms. Ruth Milliken.

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