By Michael Foli Jackidy
Ho (V/R), May 24, GNA – The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), World Health Organisation (WHO), National Population Council (NPC), and other partners have visited fistula patients at the Ho Teaching Hospital (HTH) to offer support and solidarity.
The visit formed part of activities to mark the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula, which fell on Friday, May 23.
It also formed part of a broader national initiative to move beyond policy dialogues and bring care directly to affected women.
Under the partnership to End Obstetric Fistula in Ghana, four hospitals, including HTH, were selected to carry out simultaneous surgeries for fistula repair.
Dr Wilfred Ochan, UNFPA Country Representative, emphasised that despite strides made in maternal health, obstetric fistula remained a major challenge in Ghana.
“We have made great progress now. About 87 to 88 percent of deliveries occur in health facilities under the care of trained professionals. Maternal mortality has also reduced, with the ratio currently at 310 deaths per 100,000 live births. But for every woman who dies, 20 suffer complications, one of the most devastating being obstetric fistula,” he noted.
Dr. Ochan described fistula as a health condition with deep social, economic, and human rights consequences.
He lamented that stigma often surrounded affected women, leaving them isolated and rejected by their families and communities.
“We launched the partnership to End Fistula in Ghana, called ‘Perfect’—in December 2023 with the support of former First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo. Within five months, we have brought 18 partners on board,” he said.
He called for more stakeholders to join the effort and turn the campaign into a movement.
He stressed the need for faith leaders, community nurses, midwives, and the government to support identification, mobilisation, and care for affected women especially in underserved communities.
Dr Katherine Attoh, Technical Officer for Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health at WHO Ghana, commended the Ho Teaching Hospital for its dedication.
“WHO is proud to be part of this life-changing work. We need every stakeholder, government, civil society, donors, and the public to invest in ending obstetric fistula by 2030.
A woman should not be stigmatised for complications resulting from childbirth, which is a natural and fundamental right,” she said.
Dr Attoh stressed the importance of public education, saying many affected women stay silent due to shame or misunderstanding of the condition.
“Leaking urine after childbirth is not normal. Fistula is treatable, and thanks to this initiative, surgeries are being offered free of charge at five facilities nationwide,” she emphasised.
Prof. Wisdom Azanu, a Urogynaecology Consultant at HTH Annex and lead surgeon for the fistula repairs, said the greatest challenge remains identifying and recruiting patients.
“Many women do not come forward because of stigma or lack of awareness. Some think they cannot afford treatment, but now, thanks to UNFPA and partners, surgery is free,” he explained.
To commemorate the day, six repair surgeries were successfully carried out at HTH.
Some fistula survivours who spoke with GNA expressed gratitude for the free treatment.
“I did not know the surgery was free, so I kept quiet about my condition because I could not afford the cost. I am so grateful for this support,” a survivour said.
“I am a hairdresser, but I had to stop working because of this condition. Now, I feel fine and can go back to work,” another patient shared.
The patients encouraged other women living with obstetric fistula to seek help and take advantage of the free repair surgeries being offered.
The Partnership to End Fistula aims to eliminate the condition in Ghana by 2030 through increased awareness, access to care, and sustained collaboration across all sectors.
GNA
Maxwell Awumah/Linda Asante Agyei