Reclaiming Lives After Treatment

Women with fistula have endured enormous psychological and social trauma, often at a tender age. Empowering them to reclaim their place in society is a major goal of the Campaign.

Surgical repair of their medical condition offers women with fistula the chance to return to a full life. In some cases, however, the disability has eroded their social and economic status, or worn away their self-esteem. Some fistula centres are able to provide basic education, training in income generating skills, and psychosocial support to help clients reintegrate into their communities.

Health education and counselling are key components of post-operative care. Women are advised on when it is safe to resume sexual activity and get pregnant. They are provided with or referred to family planning services. In areas with high HIV prevalence, prevention counselling is also encouraged. Following surgery, women are sometimes provided with a booklet or card describing their medical history and the need for a Caesarean section in the event of another pregnancy.

The definition of a successful repair must go beyond successfully repairing a fistula to include alleviating ‘stress incontinence’ and creating a lasting positive change in the woman’s life.

—Maggie Bangser, Women's Dignity Project, Tanzania

What the Campaign is doing

Support for social reintegration is a component of several initiatives supported by UNFPA and its partners. For example, hundreds of women in Chad are benefiting from skills learned at an income-generating cooperative set up to help treated fistula patients. UNFPA works with NGOs to support the centre, which specializes in sewing and embroidery.