Kumasi: The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has opened its doors to women suffering from obstetric fistula, offering them free surgery to repair damage to their bladder or rectum caused by obstructed labour.
According to Ghana News Agency, the free surgical procedure and recovery is funded by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in partnership with other organizations under the Partnership to Eliminate Fistula in Ghana (PEFIG). Dr. Akwesi Baafuor Opoku, a Fistula Surgeon at KATH, explained that obstetric fistula is an abnormal hole created in the birth canal, which causes leakages of urine or stools through the vagina.
Dr. Opoku addressed the media at KATH during a visit by representatives from PEFIG to commemorate World Obstetric Fistula Day. He noted that women with this condition often lose control over their bladder and bowels, resulting in an unpleasant odour due to the involuntary release of urine or stool. Research shows that about 200,000 women in Ghana live with this condition, yet most remain hidden due to fear of public ridicule and stigmatisation.
Dr. Opoku highlighted that if left unrepaired, the condition could lead to additional health issues such as urine dermatitis, nerve damage to the lower limb, anxiety, and depression. He also pointed out that 90 percent of women with obstetric fistula lose their children during childbirth, a significant issue associated with the condition. Currently, 12 women with the condition are prepared to undergo surgery at KATH to restore their hope of living a normal life.
Ms. Dela Bright Gle, Programme Specialist for Reproductive Health at UNFPA, stated that each obstetric fistula case costs USD 700 to repair. This cost includes nutrition, transportation for the clients, surgery, and some financial support for the clients post-surgery.
As part of activities to commemorate World Obstetric Fistula Day, PEFIG aims to provide surgery for 50 women with the condition across four hospitals in four regions of Ghana by the end of the week. These hospitals include KATH in the Ashanti Region, Ho Teaching Hospital in the Volta Region, Tamale West Hospital in the Northern Region, and Mercy Women's Catholic Hospital in the Central Region.
Ms. Vida Opoku, a 32-year-old trader who has lived with the condition for eight months, expressed immense joy for being part of the women to undergo free surgery at KATH. She shared her fear of societal ridicule and isolation due to her condition. Ms. Opoku thanked PEFIG and KATH for the intervention and urged other women with the condition to come forward and seek treatment opportunities.
