Over 100 women living with fistula are expected to benefit from free surgeries and medical advice during a week-long medical camp at Thika Level 5 Hospital in Kiambu County.
M-PESA Foundation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Kiambu County Government, Flying Doctors’ Society of Africa, and Amref Health Africa, organised the free fistula camp and invested KES 4 million as part of its Integrated Fistula Programme, which is set to run for two years.
“We are aware of the power of strategic partnerships to achieve the SDGs, and our fistula programme is a true testament to this. Across the country, we have impacted over 1,000 women living with fistula through treatment and free reconstructive surgeries since we kicked off this programme, and our commitment is to continue transforming the lives of more women through such camps,” said Joe Ogutu, Safaricom Foundation Chairman.
The Foundation aims to impact 1,000 women by the end of this year as it affirms its efforts to restore dignity in the community. The Integrated programme, themed “Restoring Dignity of Women & Girls in Kenya,” aims to contribute to the elimination of obstetric fistula in Kenya by 2030 by enhancing the national capacity to treat fistula cases and address the underlying health, socio-economic, cultural, and human rights determinants.
In addition to direct medical intervention, the M-PESA Foundation is working on upgrading hospitals and healthcare facilities to better monitor and treat fistula cases promptly, therefore ultimately reducing the prevalence of fistula.
“We reaffirm our commitment to restoring the dignity, health, and mental well-being of women and girls affected by this condition. Female Genital Fistula is a human rights concern impacting the most vulnerable. At the Flying Doctors’ Society of Africa, we address the socio-economic, cultural, and mental health factors perpetuating this condition. By collaborating with our partners, communities, and governments, we aim to break the cycle of Female Genital Fistula. Let us unite to eliminate obstetric fistula and restore hope and dignity to women across Africa,” said Tanya Nduati, CEO of the Flying Doctors’ Society of Africa.
Timely access to quality emergency obstetric care and the presence of trained health professionals with midwifery skills during childbirth is the most cost-effective way to reduce maternal mortality and morbidities such as fistula.