TERREWODE sensitises women on fight against Obstetric Fistula.

Soroti, Uganda: According to health experts, the result of prolonged and obstructed labour without access to timely, high-quality medical treatment, has continued to cause obstetric fistula among women. This is a condition where a hole is found between the birth canal and bladder and/or rectum that causes uncontrollable flow of urine and/or stool. 

They note that the situation is worsened by low uptake of antenatal care services, with many expectant mothers opting for traditional birth attendants instead of delivering in health facilities.

In a bold move to eradicate the health condition of obstetric fistula, The Association for Rehabilitation and Re-orientation of Women for Development (TERREWODE) has conducted an awareness campaign where media and women has been engaged in a workshop in Soroti district in Eastern Uganda aimed at sensitizing them on the condition and encourage them to seek timely medical attention.

The workshop was part of TERREWODE’s ongoing efforts to promote maternal health and prevent obstetric fistula in Uganda.

The workshop attracted journalists from northern and eastern Uganda, to intensify awareness for effective response and prevention of fistula, including survivors undergoing reintegration training following fistula repair, teen pregnancies, and representatives from various media houses among others.

Madam Alice Emasu Seruyange, Executive Director of TERREWODE and TERREWODE Women's Community Hospital, emphasized the importance of community awareness and stakeholder commitment in ending obstetric fistula.

"We have fought a war of over 25 years to end fistula and have registered significant progress," she said.

She however added that " we still have a long way to go. We must revamp community awareness and stakeholder commitment to address the causes of fistula and provide timely medical care to those affected."

Alice Seruyange added that “In case you feel or see anything wet, hurry and seek medical attention. Do not suffer in silence. Fistula is treatable, and we are here to help. We must put an end to this condition by revamping community awareness, stakeholder commitment, and addressing the causes of fistula”

While applauding the ministry of health for the support in he fight, she said that there is for accessing quality health care to prevent it

"Fistula is a preventable and treatable condition. We must ensure that women have access to quality maternal healthcare and timely medical attention to prevent and treat fistula” he said.

During the workshop survivor shared their experiences and raised awareness about the condition while participants received training on how to identify symptoms of fistula and provide support to affected women.

TERREWODE's efforts to combat obstetric fistula have been commendable, with over 5,000 women supported with treatment and reintegration services since its inception in 1999.

Reports has indicated that there are 1,900: annual cases of obstetric fistula, with 75,000 Women currently living with obstetric fistula, 10 Average daily patients received by TERREWODE for treatment, 78% Patients requiring surgical operation, 347-189 Maternal mortality rate per 100,000 births, 5,000 Women supported with treatment and reintegration services by TERREWODE since 1999.

According to others statistics, Uganda has made significant strides in reducing maternal mortality, with a decline from 347 to 189 deaths per 100,000 births in the past 10 years.

Women, Journalists empowered on fight against Obstetric Fistula.

Soroti, Uganda: According to health experts, the result of prolonged and obstructed labour without access to timely, high-quality medical treatment, has continued to cause obstetric fistula among women. This is a condition where a hole is found between the birth canal and bladder and/or rectum that causes uncontrollable flow of urine and/or stool.

They note that the situation is worsened by low uptake of antenatal care services, with many expectant mothers opting for traditional birth attendants instead of delivering in health facilities.

In a bold move to eradicate the health condition of obstetric fistula, The Association for Rehabilitation and Re-orientation of Women for Development (TERREWODE) has conducted an awareness campaign where media and women has been engaged in a workshop in Soroti district in Eastern Uganda aimed at sensitizing them on the condition and encourage them to seek timely medical attention.

The workshop was part of TERREWODE’s ongoing efforts to promote maternal health and prevent obstetric fistula in Uganda.

The workshop attracted journalists from northern and eastern Uganda, to intensify awareness for effective response and prevention of fistula, including survivors undergoing reintegration training following fistula repair, teen pregnancies, and representatives from various media houses among others.

Madam Alice Emasu Seruyange, Executive Director of TERREWODE and TERREWODE Women's Community Hospital, emphasized the importance of community awareness and stakeholder commitment in ending obstetric fistula.

"We have fought a war of over 25 years to end fistula and have registered significant progress," she said. 

She however added that " we still have a long way to go. We must revamp community awareness and stakeholder commitment to address the causes of fistula and provide timely medical care to those affected."

Alice Seruyange added that “In case you feel or see anything wet, hurry and seek medical attention. Do not suffer in silence. Fistula is treatable, and we are here to help. We must put an end to this condition by revamping community awareness, stakeholder commitment, and addressing the causes of fistula”

While applauding the ministry of health for the support in he fight, she said that there is for accessing quality health care to prevent it 

"Fistula is a preventable and treatable condition. We must ensure that women have access to quality maternal healthcare and timely medical attention to prevent and treat fistula” he said.

During the workshop survivor shared their experiences and raised awareness about the condition while participants received training on how to identify symptoms of fistula and provide support to affected women.

TERREWODE's efforts to combat obstetric fistula have been commendable, with over 5,000 women supported with treatment and reintegration services since its inception in 1999.

Reports has indicated that there are 1,900: annual cases of obstetric fistula, with 75,000 Women currently living with obstetric fistula, 10 Average daily patients received by TERREWODE for treatment, 78% Patients requiring surgical operation, 347-189 Maternal mortality rate per 100,000 births, 5,000 Women supported with treatment and reintegration services by TERREWODE since 1999. 

According to others statistics, Uganda has made significant strides in reducing maternal mortality, with a decline from 347 to 189 deaths per 100,000 births in the past 10 years.