Malawi has about 20 000 women living with fistula while 600 new cases are registered annually mostly among teenage girls, Freedom from Fistula Foundation Malawi has disclosed.
The foundation’s Bwaila Hospital Fistula Centre coordinator Margaret Moyo announced the figures in Lilongwe yesterday during the commemoration of World Fistula Day.
She called for the need to treat every patient, adding that the centre cannot manage to treat them all.
In this regard, Moyo urged collaboration with the Ministry of Health to build the capacity of other health workers in various districts.
She said: “Despite the challenges, we are happy that the centre is helping many women in Malawi, treating an average of 30 to 40 women monthly. Currently, the centre has 43 admitted patients.”
Moyo said the commemoration was significant to remind women that fistula can be prevented and treated to restore their dignity and respect.
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Eastern and Southern Africa regional director Lydia Zigomo, who visited the centre on Wednesday before the commemoration, commended the facility for its efforts in treating the women.
She reaffirmed UNFPA’s commitment to working with the centre and raising awareness to reduce the stigma faced by women with fistula.
In an interview, Alinafe Loyd, a fistula survivor, called for increased awareness so that more women seek help.
“I developed fistula in 2017 after giving birth for the first time. I was worried as it caused a strong odour and loss of dignity, but I am happy my husband supported me throughout until I was cured,” she said.
The day was commemorated under the theme ‘Breaking the cycle: Preventing fistula worldwide, emphasising ongoing efforts towards the goal of ending fistula by 2030’. The theme aligns with the broader commitment to universal healthcare access.
