KHADY SOW'S FIGHT AGAINST FISTULA IN SENEGAL

A newly released video highlights the efforts against obstetric fistula in Senegal. It tells the story of Khady Sow, one of the many fistula survivors who, through UNFPA, has been able to restore their health and their dignity.

Khady Sow after she gave birth to her child. Photo: UNFPA Senegal.

In 2006, at the age of 17, Ms. Sow acquired a double fistula after hours of obstructed labor, leading to anguishing suffering. Obstetric fistula is a childbearing injury that leaves women incontinent, ashamed and often isolated from their communities. With UNFPA support though, Khady was able to receive surgical treatment and get her life back.

“Social reintegration after treatment is still a challenge, but this is a success story. Khady was never abandoned by her family. And now she has a baby. She gives a great lesson to all women who have an obstetric fistula,” explained the UNFPA Representative in Senegal, Rose Gakuba.

The fistula programme in the country focuses on three strategic interventions: prevention strengthening enhanced access to treatment, and support before, during and after treatment to ensure the social reintegration of fistula survivors.

“This video not only documents our efforts to end fistula, but also —and more importantly— shows that there are alternatives for women living with fistula and that the community and the family are crucial for the success of any programme on the issue,” Ms. Gakuba said.

Approximately 225 obstetric fistula survivors have already benefited from an agreement between the United Nations Population Fund and the government of Senegal as part of the Campaign to End Fistula.

Despite some progress, the maternal mortality ratio is still considerably high in the country and the access to skilled attendance at birth and emergency obstetric care remain very low. Obstetric fistula is most prevalent in the South, East and Northeast, in landlocked areas not well served by transportation infrastructure and far from health services.

The regions of Kolda and Tambacounda remain the most disadvantaged in the country, being the most heavily affected by poverty, lack of access to skilled professionals, and harmful traditional practices.

There, early marriage and female circumcision are deeply rooted traditions. Moreover, women have little to no access to education, narrowing prospects for women and reducing their power to decide about their own lives, adding to the risk factors that could explain the high obstetric fistula prevalence rates in the two regions.

Since 2005, the fight against obstetric fistula has been integrated into the cooperation program between UNFPA and the Government of Senegal, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Prevention and the University Cheikh Anta Diop, in Dakar.

Watch the video Retour a la Vie (French with English subtitles).