Government to Integrate Post-Surgery Support for Fistula Survivors

The Ugandan government has announced a strategic shift to incorporate post-surgery care for obstetric fistula survivors into existing national frameworks. The move aims to assist women who cannot afford rehabilitation services on their own, ensuring they receive comprehensive support long after medical operations are completed.

Speaking in Kampala during the launch of the Individualised Community Reintegration Model by the Association for Rehabilitation and Re-Orientation of Women for Development (TERREWODE), Ministry of Health officials emphasized that medical surgery alone is not enough to heal the victims.

Dr. Richard Mugahi, the Commissioner for Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health, stated that the government is fully committed to ensuring no woman is left behind due to the condition. He highlighted that psychosocial support, economic empowerment, and genuine community acceptance are critical components of a holistic recovery process.

According to the World Health Organization, obstetric fistula is a severe childbirth injury caused by prolonged, obstructed labor without timely medical intervention. Data from the Uganda Demographic Health Survey indicates that between 74,000 and 200,000 women live with the condition in the country, with roughly 1,700 to 1,900 new cases emerging every year. Most affected individuals are rural women and young teenagers impacted by child marriage, malnutrition, and limited access to skilled birth attendance.

TERREWODE Founder and Executive Director Alice Emasu Seruyange noted that the newly launched reintegration model addresses the stigma, isolation, and financial hardships faced by survivors. Over the past two decades, TERREWODE has supported thousands of women through medical care, counseling, and livelihood training, proving that true recovery extends far beyond the operating room.

Read more details about this initiative on Daily Monitor.