“He abandoned me because he was ashamed of my Fistula condition”
Obstetric Fistula is a childbirth injury caused by prolonged, obstructed labour without timely intervention. The condition is a constant leaking of urine and/or faeces through the vagina. Fistula often leads to social, physical and emotional trauma. As such, women, and girls in The Gambia with this medical condition are often stigmatized and isolated from their families and communities. Fatoumatta was not an exception of such, as she constantly felt isolated, rejected, and embarrassed by her community and her treasured gift her beloved husband.
“I got married at age 13, this made childbirth difficult and resulted in the linkage between my vagina and rectum” (Fistula). Fatoumatta had to go through so much pain, agony and isolation as she felt the world was crumbling. In so much distressed, she would weep throughout the night in pain and dismay.
“I really thought I would never be cured. I have seen many women like myself die because of this condition, and I felt I would also end up like them – dead. But after hearing about the fistula free surgeries, I knew there was hope for me again” Fatoumatta registered for the fistula repair, and now she feels better. She vowed to speak up against child marriage in her community as she has experienced the negative impact of such and would ensure her child do not go through what she went through. “I would ensure she gets the best of all the education there is and would see that she fulfils her potentials”.
Fatoummata thanked UNFPA and the government for the repair, as she has gotten back in good shape, stronger and healthier.
For People like Fatoumatta we at UNFPA The Gambia continues to invest in strengthening The Gambia’s health system and working towards ending all preventable maternal deaths in the country.
UNFPA The Gambia has supported about 10 fistula repair surgeries during the Fistula campaign in collaboration with the Office of the First lady and Ministry of Health. In ensuring we put a smile on women like Fatoumatta, UNFPA is ever committed to working towards ensuring that, all women in The Gambia live happy, dignified and Fistula-free lives. This is the journey we are on, with the intention of leaving no one behind!
***
Media contact: Faith C. Ememodo – UNV Communications Associate ememodo@unfpa.org
