CLIPASA and SAMAHE Bring Hope to Fistula Victims in Groundbreaking Kitovu Hospital Outreach

In an effort to address one of Uganda's most pressing yet often overlooked health crises, CLIPASA (Clinics for Maternal Healthcare and Safe Child Delivery in Rural Africa) joined forces with SAMAHE (Safe Antenatal Maternal & Health Education) for a dedicated outreach at Kitovu Hospital, focusing on obstetric fistula and maternal mortality.

A Crisis That Demands Urgent Attention

Obstetric fistula is a devastating childbirth injury caused by prolonged, obstructed labor without proper medical care, which affects thousands of women in Uganda every year. Many survivors endure pain, incontinence, social isolation, and deep emotional trauma due to lack of awareness and limited access to treatment.

Worse still, Uganda’s maternal mortality ratio remains high at 336 deaths per 100,000 live births (Uganda Demographic and Health Survey 2022), with many deaths preventable through proper antenatal and emergency obstetric care.

This outreach, led by Dr. Robinah Namulindwa, President of CLIPASA, sought to tackle these challenges head-on by educating, empowering, and uplifting fistula survivors while advocating for systemic change in maternal healthcare.

Dr. Robinah Namulindwa, President of CLIPASA

Breaking the Silence: Survivors Share Their Stories

The emotional highlight of the day came when two fistula survivors courageously shared their journeys stories of pain, resilience, and hope. Their testimonies underscored the urgent need for;

Timely access to emergency obstetric care
Community awareness to reduce stigma
More support for survivors reintegrating into society

"Before treatment, I was abandoned by my husband and called names in my village," shared one survivor. "But after surgery and counseling, I have hope again. No woman should suffer like this when fistula is preventable and treatable."

Prevention Through Education and Better Antenatal Care

The CLIPASA-SAMAHE team emphasized that most fistula cases and maternal deaths are preventable with proper healthcare interventions.

Key messages included;

Mothers to attend more than the WHO-recommended minimum 4 antenatal visits—with additional follow ups for high-risk pregnancies
To work towards all deliveries taking place in health facilities with skilled birth attendants
Recognizing danger signs during pregnancy and seeking help immediately
Ending harmful practices like child marriage and teenage pregnancies, which increase fistula risks

Restoring Dignity Through Compassion and Support

Many fistula survivors face abandonment, poverty, and depression due to their condition. To bring immediate relief, the outreach included;

Distribution of dignity kits and essential supplies donated by partners
A shared meal and bonding session, where women sang songs of hope and resilience
Counseling and encouragement to become advocates in their communities

CLIPASA and SAMAHE Bring Hope to Fistula Victims in Groundbreaking Kitovu Hospital Outreach

A Call to Action: We Cannot Do This Alone

While the outreach made a meaningful impact, the battle for significant improvement in this crisis is only just beginning. Thousands of Ugandan women still lack access to fistula repair surgeries, maternal healthcare, and social support.

CLIPASA and SAMAHE urgently call on:

Government and policymakers to strengthen maternal healthcare systems
Healthcare providers to offer fistula screening and compassionate care
Donors and well-wishers to fund more surgeries, awareness campaigns, and survivor support programs
Communities to seek to end stigma and support affected women

"Every woman deserves safe childbirth and a life of dignity," said Dr. Namulindwa. "Together, we can end fistula and make maternal deaths a thing of the past."

How You Can Help