40. Obstetric Fistula: A Path to Prevention
Obstetric fistula is a condition that remains largely hidden from public discourse, yet it significantly impacts the lives of millions of women worldwide. This medical condition arises when a hole develops between the birth canal and one or more of the internal organs, often as a result of prolonged or obstructed labor without access to timely medical intervention. The consequences of obstetric fistula are severe, including chronic incontinence, which leads to social isolation, psychological trauma, and deepening poverty.
Our recent podcast episode dives into the complex world of obstetric fistula, bringing to light the poignant struggles of those affected by it and the concerted efforts made to prevent and treat this condition. We were privileged to have Brooke Sulahian and Cara Brooks of Hope for Our Sisters to share their inspiring journeys and dedication to empowering women to overcome the challenges of fistula.
The discussion highlighted the essential role of early intervention and awareness in preventing obstetric fistula. Hope for Our Sisters has been instrumental in providing treatment and emphasizing prevention, demonstrating that a multi-faceted approach is necessary to address this condition effectively. Through their tireless advocacy, they've shown that with the right support, women can not only heal physically but also reclaim their place in society with dignity and strength.
One of the most striking aspects of the conversation was the emphasis on the aftermath of surviving fistula. It's not enough to simply repair the physical damage; survivors require comprehensive rehabilitation to reintegrate into their communities fully. This process includes psychological support, education, and skills training to help them become self-sufficient and confident. The stories shared were powerful examples of resilience, as many women, after receiving treatment and support, have gone on to become advocates and educators in their own right, helping to break the cycle of fistula for future generations.
Furthermore, our guests illuminated the surgical complexities involved in fistula repairs. They pointed out that timing is critical for successful treatment and that the lack of surgical capacity in many affected regions leads to a backlog of cases. This calls for a global response to improve medical infrastructure and prioritize fistula as a significant health issue.
Our episode concluded with an exploration of Hope for Our Sisters' vision and mission, underscoring their goal of a world where obstetric fistula is eradicated, and women are fully valued within their communities. Listeners were invited to join this noble cause by engaging with the organization through various means, including volunteering, fundraising, and spreading awareness.
In summary, this podcast episode served not only as an informative session on obstetric fistula but also as a call for action and empathy. The conversation with Brooke Sulahian and Cara Brooks was an impactful reminder that behind every statistic, there is a human story, and every individual effort contributes to the broader fight against this devastating condition. The journey to healing and empowerment for fistula survivors is indeed challenging, but it is a path paved with hope, solidarity, and the unwavering spirit of women worldwide.
Hope For Our Sisters, Inc.
Hope For Our Sisters, Inc. uses a three-part cycle to address the needs of women and girls suffering from and at risk for fistula: prevention, treatment (surgical repairs), and empowerment.
Current Prevention Programs:
Fistula Prevention and Awareness Programs: Education sessions on the nature and prevention of, as well as treatment options for, fistula carried out by fistula nurses and team members in Angola and Nepal. These target a range of people with a tailored approach, including government officials, healthcare providers, skilled birth attendants, students, women’s groups, community leaders and whole community gatherings that include women, men and children. A train-the-trainer format is used with healthcare providers and skilled birth attendants in order to send them out to teach others. Radio programs are also aired periodically to teach the far-reaching public.
Maternal Health Funds: In Angola and DR Congo, women and girls can access a pool of funds to pay for quality and timely cesarean births. This encourages women to seek care without fear of medical debt in instances where labor is obstructed, or for repaired fistula survivors to prevent recurrence of fistula.
Women’s Health Surgeon Training: Through a partnership with the Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons, we have funded tuition for medical doctors to become women’s health surgeons who can provide cesarean births and/or fistula repairs. These local surgeons are committed to caring for the women of Africa, where lack of access to surgeons can be highly limited.
Ultrasound Empowerment: In rural Angola, one of our surgical partners will visit different villages and provide free ultrasounds and prenatal counseling in efforts to encourage women at high risk for developing fistula or other birth injuries to seek skilled care at the time of delivery. This can include particularly small women or women carrying multiples and/or babies in breech or transverse positions.
Family Planning Nursing Education: In DR Congo, we pay the salary and cost of materials for a nurse who counsels local women on family planning options and different birth control methods. Allowing women to choose the timing of their births encourages them to wait for optimal timing which may make a difference in the receipt of quality prenatal and obstetric care and care for the baby.
Current Empowerment Programs:
Aftercare - In Angola, Nepal, and the DR Congo women are offered an opportunity to make plans for their reintegration to the world outside of the fistula care centers through different courses or targeted opportunities. These can include vocational trainings such as agricultural classes or various craft-making lessons, or literacy, numeracy, or language classes. In Angola, we also fund the salary of a trained trauma counselor to help the women process what they have been through and what they may face. In the DR Congo, we fund a microfinance program for selected women.
Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Groups: Women’s empowerment groups through our partner, World Relief, in DR Congo that encourage women to connect and share their stories, support one another in rebuilding a life after trauma, and engage their communities in efforts to bring cultural change for women’s equality.
Related Podcast Episodes
Women’s Health
Links and Resources
UNFPA's Campaign to End Fistula
BOOKS -
DOCUMENTARIES -
A Walk to Beautiful: A 53-minute award-winning documentary sharing the journeys of Ethiopian women as they seek healing from fistula.
LUMO: One Woman’s Struggle to Heal in a Nation Beset by War: The award-winning film distributed by the Goma Film Project, focusing on a girl named Lumo and the work of Heal Africa. Available on Netflix.