- The International Day to End Obstetric Fistula (IDEOF) at the Makueni County Referral Hospital in Wote.
- The theme for this year's IDEOF is "Breaking the Cycle: Preventing Fistula Worldwide."
Image: OFFICE OF 4TH PRESIDENT OF KENYA
Former First Lady Margaret Kenyatta's Beyond Zero Initiative joined the world in commemorating International Day to End Obstetric Fistula.
IDEOF is recognised annually on May 23 and aims to raise awareness, mobilize support, and provide essential medical care to prevent and treat obstetric fistula.
Obstetric fistula is a childbirth injury that affects women across the country.
The theme for this year's IDEOF is "Breaking the Cycle: Preventing Fistula Worldwide."
This theme underscores the critical need for preventive measures and timely treatment to eradicate fistula and support affected women in regaining their health and dignity.
The International Day to End Obstetric Fistula (IDEOF) at the Makueni County Referral Hospital in Wote.
The Initiative joined the Ministry of Health, the County Government of Makueni, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Jhpiego, Save a Woman Fistula Foundation, Amref Health Africa and other key partners.
The event emphasised global and local efforts to address this debilitating condition.
Activities leading up to the commemoration of IDEOF included a one-week Free Fistula Camp, where partners supported awareness creation, community mobilization, screening at sub-county hospitals, and surgical repairs.
According to Beyond Zero Initiative, so far, 42 women have successfully undergone surgical repairs.
The partnership highlights the collective commitment to tackling obstetric fistula.
The Beyond Zero Initiative, founded by Kenya's former First Lady Margaret Kenyatta has been instrumental in enhancing maternal and child health services nationwide.
By participating in IDEOF, Beyond Zero continues to advocate for the health and well-being of women, emphasizing the importance of accessible and quality healthcare.
During the event, a representative from Beyond Zero Beatrice Koki, reiterated the initiative's dedication to eradicating obstetric fistula.
"We are committed to providing continuous support and implementing effective measures to end obstetric fistula in line with the Beyond Zero Strategic Plan 2023-2027. Our efforts are directed towards ensuring that no woman has to suffer from this preventable condition," she stated.
The First Lady of Makueni County Anita Mutula, underscored the importance of raising awareness, early detection, and timely treatment.
She noted that these measures will greatly reduce the suffering of women and improve their quality of life.
The event also provided a platform for survivors to share their experiences and the transformative impact of surgical repairs.