Fistula Centre trains 24 ambassadors

The Freedom from Fistula Foundation Bwaila Maternity Wing in Lilongwe has trained 24 ambassadors to raise awareness and reduce the number of fistula cases in the country.

Speaking during the training on Wednesday at the centre, Bwaila Hospital Fistula Centre coordinator Margaret Moyo hailed the patient ambassadors, who included three men, for their work.

She said the training sought to equip them with skills to better help women with fistula conditions.

Said Moyo: “We also had an interaction with the ambassadors to share their stories and challenges.

“Most of the women, especially in rural areas, stay in hiding because they have lost their dignity. We need these ambassadors, many of whom are survivors, to share their stories and encourage more women to come forward because fistula can be repaired.”

In an interview, one of the participants, Fadson Bauleni Mita, who is also a pastor, said he also uses the pulpit to speak about fistula.

He said: “I have successfully brought 96 patients to this centre for repair and they are now doing well. I encourage my fellow men to support their wives facing this condition.

“Anyone can develop fistula, but the good thing is that it is a condition that can be fixed.”

Another participant Janet Chiwayula, from Nsanje District, said she was happy to be part of the advocacy.

“Women with fistula condition hide because people laugh at them. It is important to speak against such stigma to help the women seek treatment,” she said.

Having developed fistula herself, Chiwayula said she will spread the message to encourage women with the condition to get treatment.

According to the centre, Malawi has at least 20 000 women living with fistula, with 600 new cases registered annually