By Nola Paterni | Development Officer
In the five regions of Senegal where this project is focused there has been increased access to high-quality, sustainable, and resilient fistula treatment and prevention services. This is due to improved health systems, an increase in the capacity of health workers to diagnose and treat fistula, and an increased effort to prevent fistula. Women who would otherwise be unable to work, socialize, or contribute to society have found hope from fistula repair. I'll let Sidibe take it from here:
"I was volunteering as a matron in the Kayes district and was expecting my first child. I was also selling ice in my neighborhood at this time and my life was very happy.
When my contractons started, I went to the health center where I received my pre-natal care to give birth. My labor was long and difficult and I eventually had to have a forceps delivery. My child lived. During the 40 days after the birth, I found that I started to leak. I though this must be something from childbirth and that it would pass. My fiancee and my mother, however, thought it must be related to an error by the health care worker and wanted to complain. I calmed them down and went back to see the doctor who volunteered to repair the leak.
I went through with the surgery but it wasn’t successful. I started to despair and at the same time I felt shame. I had to stop working because I was afraid that others would discover that I was suffering from this condition. I also stopped selling ice. Secluded at home I only left if absoulutely necessary.
Several months after the unsuccessful surgery, I decided to go to Fousseyni Daou Hospital in Kayes. There I learned about a project that would provide support to women with my same condition. After screening by a doctor, I was operated on again by a surgeon at the hospital and it was a success.
I just want to thank them because I am very happy to be finally free of this condition that was ruining my life. I can now finally resume my normal routine and devote myself back to my family and my work!"
Sidibe, 26 years old
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