The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has appreciated the efforts by Bwaila Fistula Centre in the fight against Fistula in the the country.
UNFPA’s Regional Director, Lydia Zigomo made the appreciative remarks on Wednesday when she paid a visit at the Fistula Care Centre.
According to Zigomo, through the tour, there were productive discussions on how to address the issues of Fistula in the country.
“We have talked to some of the survivors of Fistula as well as those waiting to have their surgeries and also discussing how we can address the issue of Fistula in Malawi because we do believe it’s an area that can be resolved and we can prevent young girls and young women suffering from fistula,” Zigomo said
However, she made an assurance that UNFPA will continue supporting Fistula programs in the country.
The event was also attended by officials from the Ministry of Health and authorities from Bwaila Fistula Care Centre.
The Director for the Sexual Reproductive Services in the Ministry of Health, Doreen Ali described the UNFPA’s visit as vital as the UNFPA as one of the funders have seen the progress that has been made in implemention of Fistula programs.
Bwaila Fistula Centre National Coordinator Margret Moyo expressed grateful for UNFPA visit to the centre.
Moyo revealed that the Centre is currently treating 43 patients but the number is expected to raise to 48 by the end of the week.
Meanwhile, Moyo pointed out stigma as one of the challenges, women with Fistula are currently facing in the communities.
“Because they are leaking urine, stool and no one recognize them in the communities and are not engaged in any other activity,” said Moyo
The Fistula Care Centre was firstly launched in Malawi In 2010 before stand-alone Fistula Care Centre (FCC) was launched in 2012, in the grounds of Bwaila Hospital in Lilongwe.
The 35 bed unit has its dedicated operating theatre and the capacity to treat more than 400 women every year, many of whom are found through Ambassadors and community sensitization programs that ensure women and girls from across Malawi have access to Bwaila’s permanent service.
