Health 22 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Witchcraft Beliefs Hinder Fistula Treatment for Young Ugandan Mothers
Misconceptions linking obstetric fistula to witchcraft are preventing many young mothers in Uganda from seeking timely medical care, leading to prolonged suffering from a treatable condition. Survivors are now advocating for awareness to combat these harmful traditional beliefs. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/witchcraft-the-myth-undermining-fistula-treatment-among-young-mothers-5505250
In Uganda, a prevalent belief that obstetric fistula is a result of witchcraft is leading young mothers to seek traditional healers instead of medical professionals. This dangerous misconception delays crucial treatment, exacerbating the condition and causing immense suffering.
Obstetric fistula, an opening between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum, typically arises from prolonged, obstructed labor without timely medical intervention. It results in the uncontrollable leakage of urine or feces, leading to social isolation, stigma, and psychological distress. The Ministry of Health reports that over 200,000 women in Uganda live with this condition.
Many young women, like Acii (21), initially turn to traditional healers and spiritual interventions, believing they have been cursed. Acii’s experience involved agonizing months of seeking non-medical cures after losing her baby during childbirth at 17. Her condition worsened until she eventually received successful surgical repair through a free fistula camp.
Health experts emphasize that teenage pregnancies, which are high in Uganda, significantly increase the risk. Adolescent bodies are often not fully developed for childbirth, making them more vulnerable to prolonged labor and subsequent fistula development. This vulnerability is compounded by fear of judgment at health facilities, causing many teen mothers to avoid seeking antenatal care and skilled birth attendance.
Health workers and community advocates are working to dispel these myths through community outreach and education. They stress that fistula is a medical condition, not a curse, and emphasize the importance of early medical intervention. Survivors are increasingly sharing their stories to encourage others to seek appropriate treatment and to combat the stigma that prevents many from accessing care.
Efforts are underway to increase access to fistula repair camps and raise awareness about family planning, early antenatal care, and safe delivery practices. Community education is seen as the most effective way to change perceptions and ensure more women receive life-changing medical help.