Women suffering from fistula in Garissa have been encouraged to get free treatment at the county referral hospital.
The initiative is sponsored by the department of Health in partnership with the Fistula Foundation.
A collaboration between the county and Fistula Foundation saw the two sign a grant that led to the offering the free fistula surgeries.
Fistula is an abnormal connection between two body parts, such as an organ or blood vessel and another structure. Fistulas are usually the result of an injury or surgery. Infection or inflammation can also cause it.
Another cause of fistula, especially in the Northeastern region, is FGM.
So far, more than 200 women from Garissa and neighbouring counties have benefitted from the screening. Some 87 women received high-quality surgery repair and post-operative care.
Acting Garissa Referral Hospital CEO Dr Hawa Bakari urged residents with family members suffering from fistula to bring them to the facility to receive corrective treatment.
The average cost of reconstructive surgery to correct obstetric fistula in a public hospital is Sh60,000, which is not affordable to many.
Hawa said with the assistance of the Fistula Foundation, the hospital now has a routine fistula repair facility catering to all patients.
“We are urging all citizens to utilise this opportunity, they don't have to travel to Nairobi to get these services because we have doctors available and offering these services free of charge,”she said
Garissa referral hospital is among the three government facilities in the country that offers free routine fistula services.
Acting Health chief officer Mohamed Salat and Fatuma Iman, the county reproductive health coordinator urged women with fistula to come out and get treated.
"It is encouraging that hundreds of women have been screened and benefitting from free treatment. We are aiming to transform maternal health,” Salat said.
"We are urging those who are confined in their houses to come out and receive treatment. Fistula is not a shame. Our mission is to empower women by letting them enjoy quality and dignified life in society,” Fatuma said.
Gynaecologist Dr Lado Ismail said his department was ready and equipped to handle all cases.
He said the Fistula Foundation had supported the training of two surgeons at the hospital to do the fistula repair surgeries as well as training four nurses to assist the doctors.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)
