The Ministry of Health (MOH) in collaboration with Kisii County and other health sector stakeholders marked the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula on Friday at Gusii Stadium in Kisii town.
The event was a culmination of a weeklong free fistula testing camp at the Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital (KTRH), where hundreds of women received free screening, surgeries and counselling.
Speaking at the event, the MOH’s representative Dr Denver Mariga noted this year’s theme of “Her health, her right, shaping a future without fistula” calls for stakeholders to reaffirm their collective commitment to upholding the dignity, health and rights of women and girls not only in Kenya, but globally.
Dr Mariga pointed out that obstetric fistula remains one of the most severe and preventable childbirth injuries.
“Far beyond a clinical condition, it reflects a deep-rooted systemic challenge, inadequate access to quality maternal health services, entrenched gender disparities and the marginalization of vulnerable populations,” he said.
The MOH representative noted the national prevalence figures remain elusive due to under-reporting and social stigma associated with the condition.
According to the Health Ministry, estimates indicate that over 3,000 new cases of obstetric fistula are recorded annually in Kenya, unfortunately, many affected women continue to suffer in silence as they are isolated by shame, socio-economic barriers and limited access to medical care.
Dr Mariga noted the ministry had conducted over 5,000 fistula surgeries together with their health partners over the last five years.
“We have also intensified community sensitization campaigns which have been led by the Ministry of Health and in collaboration with our partners such as the UNFPA, Amref and the Fistula Foundation,” he added.
Dr Mariga concluded by saying the ministry is keen on equipping the healthcare facilities to be able to provide routine basic and comprehensive obstetric care services including repair.
Kisii Deputy Governor Elijah Obebo, who represented Governor Simba Arati, pledged to continue supporting healthcare initiatives in the region.
“We have taken deliberate measures to address health issues in the county by expanding maternal units in all healthcare facilities, training healthcare workers, promoting girl child education and empowering community health promoters to raise awareness,” Obebo said.
On her part, KTRH’s Health Officer Maurine Adhiambo noted they have medical experts who are providing life-changing treatment and ensuring that women suffering from obstetric fistula can regain their dignity and health.
“Treatment for fistula is still ongoing at our facility and it is our priority for the restoration of women’s health and dignity,” Adhiambo said.
Risper Nyagaka, a fistula survivor, shared her emotional journey from enduring social stigma to a broken marriage when she was diagnosed with the condition.
“I was disowned and later divorced by my husband yet I was still sick, but now I am cured though I cannot go back to my matrimonial home,” she stated.
The event was finalized with the launch of a playbook, developed by MOH in conjunction with other partners to guide counties in delivering routine obstetric fistula prevention, treatment and comprehensive care services.
By Ilhan Ismail and Gideon Gwaro
