Farhiya, a 38-year-old from rural Beletweyne, faced a decade of hardship that began with childbirth complications. The absence of skilled medical care, and the inability to afford essential maternity services, left her with obstetric fistula, a devastating condition causing uncontrollable urine leakage. "I was stressed, constantly worried and isolated from my community. I was living in my house as if I had some sort of contagious disease," Farhiya recounted. Shunned and feeling hated, she spent her days in solitude.
Obstetric fistula, a preventable condition, creates a hole between the birth canal and bladder or rectum due to prolonged, obstructed labour without timely medical care. The condition is devastating for women causing chronic health issues, depression, social isolation, and deepening poverty. In Somalia, where six out of ten births occur without a skilled birth attendant, the impact of fistula is particularly severe.
Farhiya’s journey to healing
Farhiya’s road to recovery was long and arduous. A compassionate neighbour raised money for her to travel to Mogadishu, but the $800 surgery cost was still out of reach. Hope emerged when another woman told her about a fistula campaign at Daynile Hospital. Once again, her community rallied, and with their collective support, Farhiya traveled to Mogadishu, this time receiving free, life-changing fistula repair surgery. Now, recovering, her life is transformed. As a farmer, her condition had prevented her from working or even milking animals. With her recovery, she eagerly anticipates reclaiming her life and livelihood.
KSrelief and UNFPA: A partnership for maternal health
The 12th Obstetric Fistula Repair Campaign, a collaborative effort supported by the Federal Ministry of Health, Physicians Across Continents, and UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, with vital funding from KSrelief, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, took place at Dayniile Hospital, Mogadishu, in the last week of September. Over 100 free, life-restoring surgeries for women affected by fistula were provided as part of the campaign. Beyond the surgeries, the initiative also focuses on raising awareness about fistula, strengthening health systems, and ensuring every woman can experience safe and dignified childbirth.
Nince’s renewed connections
Nince, a 35-year-old mother of three, also lived with the profound pain and shame of obstetric fistula, which developed after childbirth. Working as a porter at Bakara Market, earning a meager $2 to $3 a day, her struggles were immense. "For five years, I haven’t visited any relatives or been invited to any weddings. I was too ashamed to use public transport," she shared. Her turning point came when a friend encouraged her to seek help at the fistula campaign at Daynile Hospital. After her successful surgery, Nince is now healthy and at peace. "Now that I have had the surgery and am no longer leaking urine, I have decided to visit my relatives," she says, her voice filled with newfound joy at the prospect of reconnecting with loved ones.
Dr. Aisha Abdulkadir Abdullahi, a dedicated member of the medical team at Dayniile Hospital, witnesses the daily suffering caused by fistula. "Most of the patients who come to us are from rural areas, and each one of them has her own story, each more painful than the other," she explained. Despite the high rate of fistula in Somalia, Dr. Abdullahi remains hopeful. "With the ongoing awareness and surgical campaigns, I am hopeful that the numbers will gradually decrease and one day fistula will be fully eradicated.”
KSrelief and UNFPA: The power of partnerships
UNFPA extends its gratitude to KSrelief for their generous support–with a commitment of $1.45 million–to strengthen maternal and newborn healthcare in Somalia and, in turn, reduce cases of fistula. This funding has helped to support the 12th Obstetric Fistula Repair Campaign as well as essential equipment for operating theatres at both Banadir and Dayniile Hospitals, where mothers once faced agonizing waits for surgeries, including fistula repairs and caesarean sections, due to the absence of vital equipment like anesthesia machines and proper lighting.
UNFPA’s partnership with KSrelief exemplifies the profound impact that collaborative efforts can achieve in addressing women’s reproductive health needs. Continued global partnership and investment are essential to ensure that no woman in Somalia suffers in silence from preventable conditions like obstetric fistula.
