More than 400 women from Murang’a County and neighboring regions have received life-changing restorative surgery at Murang’a Level-5 Hospital through a special medical camp aimed at treating obstetric fistula and related conditions.
The week-long exercise brought together a team of specialists from the Murang’a County Government, Flying Doctors, Amref Health Africa and the M-Pesa Foundation, with the shared goal of helping women who have silently endured years of pain, stigma and isolation.
For many of the beneficiaries, the treatment marked the end of a long and difficult journey.
Some had lived with the condition for decades without seeking help due to fear, shame and lack of awareness, it was established.
Speaking during the camp, Vesicovaginal Fistula expert Christine Muthengi said stigma remains one of the biggest barriers preventing women from coming forward for treatment.
She noted that many patients choose to hide their suffering because of the constant leakage of urine or waste, which often causes an unpleasant smell and deep emotional distress.
“Obstetric fistula is a childbirth injury that causes chronic incontinence and severe trauma to affected women,” said Muthengi.
“Many women and girls with this condition withdraw from society and live in hiding for years because they fear ridicule and rejection,” she added.
According to the health expert, obstetric fistula commonly results from prolonged or obstructed labour when emergency obstetric care is delayed or unavailable.
Though preventable and treatable, the condition continues to affect many women especially those in underserved communities.
Muthengi said lack of awareness has also contributed to delayed treatment, with many women assuming the condition cannot be corrected medically.
She further cited a shortage of trained fistula surgeons, delayed referrals and childbirth complications as some of the challenges slowing efforts to eliminate the condition in Kenya.
Data from the Ministry of Health estimates that nearly 120,000 women across the country are currently living with fistula and have not yet received treatment.
Representative of the M-Pesa Foundation Patricia Ithau said the organization remains committed to improving maternal health and ensuring no woman suffers in silence.
Ms Ithau, who spoke during the camp, said the foundation has already supported treatment for more than 1,500 women nationwide, enabling them to rebuild their lives and regain confidence.
“No woman should continue suffering in silence because of a fistula. The surgery may seem simple, but the impact it has on a woman’s dignity, health and future is immense,” she added.
Ms Ithau said the foundation has invested in a number of healthcare programmes across the country, including Uzazi Salama, Daktari Smart and Maternal and Newborn Health projects.
Murang’a health officials welcomed the partnership, saying such outreach programmes are critical in reaching vulnerable women who may not otherwise access specialized treatment.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude after undergoing successful procedures observing that they now look forward to returning to normal life, reconnecting with their families and participating fully in society.
By Bernard Munyao
