Kisii: The Ministry of Health (MOH) in collaboration with Kisii County and other health sector stakeholders marked the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula at Gusii Stadium in Kisii town. The event concluded a weeklong free fistula testing camp at the Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital (KTRH), where hundreds of women received free screening, surgeries, and counseling.

According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Denver Mariga, a representative from the MOH, highlighted this year’s theme, ‘Her health, her right, shaping a future without fistula,’ emphasizing the need for stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to the dignity, health, and rights of women and girls globally. Dr. Mariga stressed that obstetric fistula remains a severe and preventable childbirth injury reflecting systemic challenges, inadequate access to maternal health services, and entrenched gender disparities.

The MOH representative noted that national prevalence figures are elusive due to under-reporting and social stigma. Estimates from the Health Ministry indicate over 3,000 new cases of obstetric fistula are recorded annually in Kenya, with many women suffering in silence due to shame, socio-economic barriers, and limited access to medical care.

Dr. Mariga mentioned that over the last five years, the ministry has conducted over 5,000 fistula surgeries in collaboration with health partners. Community sensitization campaigns have been intensified, led by the Ministry of Health with partners like UNFPA, Amref, and the Fistula Foundation. The ministry aims to equip healthcare facilities to provide comprehensive obstetric care services, including repair.

Kisii Deputy Governor Elijah Obebo, representing Governor Simba Arati, pledged continued support for healthcare initiatives in the region. He highlighted efforts to expand maternal units, train healthcare workers, promote girl child education, and empower community health promoters.

KTRH’s Health Officer Maurine Adhiambo noted that medical experts are providing life-changing treatment, ensuring women with obstetric fistula can regain their dignity and health. Risper Nyagaka, a fistula survivor, shared her journey from enduring social stigma to a broken marriage and her subsequent recovery.

The event concluded with the launch of a playbook developed by MOH in conjunction with other partners to guide counties in delivering routine obstetric fistula prevention, treatment, and comprehensive care services.