By Alex Wekesa
As the world Marks the International Day to end Obstetric Fistula, Fistula has become so common in society and has caused a lot of women and girls suffering.
However, Fistula can easily be treated with a short period of time In case early interventions are made.
A 40-year-old Everlyne Musimi from Webuye town in Bungoma County developed fistula in 2003.
And this happened after she underwent Vibroid surgery from Kakamega General Hospital, in Kakamega County.
A mother of three (3) complained that a doctor tempered with a urine bladder which resulted in her developing a hole in the birth canal.
She started leaking urine and stool and was diagnosed with Fistula.
Her husband, Levi Musimi, is a boda boda rider.
They spent almost a 100k for her treatment but all was in vain.
" For nearly 20 years , I have been trying to seek treatment so I could go back to living a normal life, but the cost was too high for my husband and I", she said.
She stated that her condition was pathetic, she used to wear diapers like a child every time to control the urine and stool, which she said was so expensive.
"Friends,neighbours and relatives complained about my smell and many quickly abandoned me and left me with only my husband and mother who helped me ", she regretted.
After going through those challenges for a decade, Safaricom and M-Pesa foundation came to her aid.
She was among 11 patients who were benefitted from the program powered by M-Pesa foundation in collaboration with Flying doctors.
She attended a fistula camp that held at the Webuye County hospital and underwent CT Scans and was later treated and recovered.
She said that the service was free of charge.
A happy Mrs. Musimi thanked all the stakeholders for paying for her treatment for free, saying that she alone could not afford the expenses.
"I am so happy and relieved to get this new beginning.I can now work and help support my husband and children without the shame and indignity I once experienced while living with Fistula", she said.
However, Mrs. Musimi asked the community not to isolate mothers and girls affected by the fistula disease, instead embrace them and show them love.
Women living with fistula, however, face barriers in accessing care, including a lack of adequate health care and professionals with the necessary skills and essential equipment needed to provide fistula surgery.
Safaricom and M-Pesa Foundation, Amref,Flying Doctors in collaboration with Bungoma County government provided free reconstructive surgery to women living with Fistula.
The Fistula Camp has been held at Webuye County Hospital since 19th to 26th May,2023.
Director for M-Pesa Foundation,Lucile Aveva said that they are dedicated to providing the necessary support to the government and other Partners in the prevention and treatment of Fistula to make Motherhood safer.
She stated that per now they have identified and treated 11 Fistula victims drawn from Bungoma County and 350 Countrywide.
On his part,Governor Kenneth Lusaka thanked M-Pesa Foundation and other partners for their support , saying it has relieved women and Girls who were troubling with the Fistula.
He also assured that his government will do all it can to collaborate with other partners to fight against Fistula in the county.
Content created and supplied by: [email protected] (via Opera News )
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