About 28 women who have been suffering from obstetric fistula, underwent surgery at the St. Daniel Comboni Hospital in Wau, Western Bahr el Ghazal State.

The surgeries to treat fistula patients were free of charge and were done during a two-week campaign that ended on Wednesday, organized by the state health ministry and the catholic church.

“The campaign was organized by the Catholic Diocese of Wau through the health department in collaboration with the ministry of health St. Daniel Comboni Hospital. This campaign is supported by partners including German Embassy and also Norwegian Church Aid. The campaign was successful and we have seen 33 patients, eight were not eligible for operation but we operated 28 patients successfully,” Dr. Juriel Payii, the Comboni health coordinator told Radio Tamazuj.

According to Dr. Payii, the patients came from different parts of the country but most were from within the state.

Two of the beneficiaries who spoke to Radio Tamazuj at the hospital expressed joy after their successful operations. 

Stella Gasim who traveled from Raja County for the operation said the operation has given her a reason to live a fulfilling life again after contemplating suicide. 

“When I was pregnant, there were a lot of difficulties I passed through, I did not know I will ever be well again after what I went through. I gave birth at the hospital but I developed a fistula," Stella narrates. “I was about to commit suicide but I learned about the fistula operation in Wau and this is why I traveled from Raja to Wau for treatment. I thank God for receiving the treatment and now am in good condition and I will stay with people.” 

Mary Angom another happy patient from Mapel Town of Jur River County could only express her gratitude. 

“Thanks to those who brought us the operation. I give you great thanks and God the creator who created doctors that can treat such disease. I first got pregnant at 15 years and the delivery was very difficult and I spent seven days in labor. The doctor came and removed the baby, but I had already developed a fistula," Angom said. "Now the doctors have treated me I can only appreciate them." 

Obstetric fistula is an abnormal connection between the birth canal and bladder and/or rectum, it is caused by prolonged, obstructed labor without access to timely, high-quality medical treatment.