Zimbabwe reports that obstetric fistula affects hundreds of women who lack access to emergency childbirth care. The condition creates openings between the reproductive organs and the bladder or the bowel, leading to permanent leakage. Katherine Manjengwa from Binga District suffered for 14 years after delivering twins at home in 2007 before reaching medical facilities.
Her husband abandoned her because of the constant leaking. Manjengwa underwent repairs at Mashoko Hospital in Masvingo this September and recovered successfully. More than 1,000 Zimbabwean women have received free fistula surgeries since the United Nations Population Fund launched its campaign in 2015.
The Ministry of Health partners with Artemedis, Fistula Foundation, and Amnesty International to provide treatment through mobile clinics across the country. Zimbabwe's maternal death rate stands at 212 per 100,000 births. Experts estimate corresponding high rates of fistula cases among the poorest populations.
Medical professionals link the condition to limited healthcare access and early pregnancies. About 90 percent of affected mothers lose their babies. Family planning services could reduce maternal disabilities by at least 20 percent, according to health officials.
Her husband abandoned her because of the constant leaking. Manjengwa underwent repairs at Mashoko Hospital in Masvingo this September and recovered successfully. More than 1,000 Zimbabwean women have received free fistula surgeries since the United Nations Population Fund launched its campaign in 2015.
The Ministry of Health partners with Artemedis, Fistula Foundation, and Amnesty International to provide treatment through mobile clinics across the country. Zimbabwe's maternal death rate stands at 212 per 100,000 births. Experts estimate corresponding high rates of fistula cases among the poorest populations.
Medical professionals link the condition to limited healthcare access and early pregnancies. About 90 percent of affected mothers lose their babies. Family planning services could reduce maternal disabilities by at least 20 percent, according to health officials.
