In most cases, it is common to see women suffering from Obstetric Fistula (OF), an abnormal connection between a woman’s genital tract and the urinary tract (vesicovaginal fistula) or between the genital tract and the rectum (rectovaginal fistula), due to prolonged obstructed labor.
Especially in the rural parts where early marriage is rampant and maternal care is inaccessible, more women develop OF. As studies indicate, in Ethiopia, an estimated 9000 women develop Obstetric Fistula each year. Following the case, the victims face serious social and economic challenges aside from devastating health problems.
Women who experience the sickness suffer a lot from psychological trauma, stress, shame, social segregation.
Understanding the severity of the case and the disgraceful feeling it causes on victims, many organizations and individual volunteers are exerting utmost effort to support women affected by Obstetric Fistula (OF), cure them and beam a ray of hope on them.
Recently, Healing Hands of Joy (HHOJ) in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs organized a recognition and gratitude program for individuals and institutions that support work carried out in the area of fistula with their own accord.
Speaking on the occasion Minister Ergogie Tesfaye (PhD) said that aside from health challenges, the main reasons of Obstetric Fistula entrenched with gender inequality, discrimination and harmful traditional practices against women. Especially, early marriage is one of the reasons that expose young girls to OF.
To this end, the Ministry, making the issue its priority agenda is working diligently with partners and stakeholders to curb early marriage and harmful practices that have adverse impacts on the lives of women and girls.
Mentioning that two years ago national strategies, goals and targets have been devised and frameworks that enable to achieve the goals have been set to curb the problem, she said as a result, with the endeavors made to raise awareness, remarkable achievements are witnessed.
As to the Minister, in addition to government’s firm commitment to the matter, the activities and involvement of nongovernmental organizations in terms supporting women affected by Obstetric Fistula (OF) is exemplary. She also mentioned and appreciated Dr. Catherine Hamlin, the pioneer who was exerting incalculable effort in fighting OF.
In addition, Ergogie appreciated the Healing Hands of Joy’s (HHOJ) efforts in providing holistic revitalization and examination services; and pledged to continue support.
On the other hand, CEO and Co–founder of Healing Hands of Joy, Allison Shigo said that the primary objectives of the organization is eliminating Obstetric Fistula from Ethiopia entirely and securing safe motherhood for women. To this end, she noted that they are providing service in Amhara, Oromia, SNNPs, and Tigray states.
Nigest Haile founder and Executive Director of Center for Accelerated Women’s Economic Empowerment and member of the Board said that since its establishment 2010, Healing Hands of Joy has provided revitalization and examination services for about 2350 women.
Roman Tesfaye, CEO of Hailemariam and Roman Foundation on her part said joining hands with Ministry of Health, states, woredas and community centered health extension experts and stakeholders, works are carried out to realize national strategy through bringing attitudinal change and curb fistula by 2025..
Attendants held discussion and experience sharing on ways to prevent obstetric fistula.
Meanwhile, recognition was given to Goodwill Ambassadors who have been offering voluntary service to patients after their recovery (rehabilitation).
BY BETELHEM BEDLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 26 MAY 2022
