Iham’s Fistula Camp Restores Hope for 24 Women
By Hajira Halilu
The Executive Director of the Islamic Health Association of Malawi (IHAM), Hajj Daitoni, described the five-day fistula repair camp held in September 2024 as a success, with 24 surgeries completed at Rev. John Chilembwe Hospital in Phalombe district.
Speaking during the closing ceremony at the hospital, Hajj Daitoni expressed gratitude to the medical practitioners involved, both local and international, saying, “As IHAM, we are excited by the turnout of women seeking surgery. This shows the pressing need to address fistula in Malawi. We are grateful for the fruitful collaboration displayed in course of the camp.”
Abdullahi Yusuf Muhammad, the Regional Director for Physician Across Continents (PAC) and International Surgical Missions Coordinator, emphasized the importance of consolidated efforts in providing primary healthcare to prevent fistula. He noted, “PAC has conducted surgeries in Malawi for some time, but this is the first camp specifically addressing fistula conditions. This repair surgery camp is a milestone, and Malawi should expect more to come.”
Professor Yakubu Ismail, who led the team of five international surgeons, concurred with Muhammad, stating that prevention is the key to curbing fistula. “Fistula is a social problem that degrades dignity and hope in women. We must work together to reduce its prevalence in Malawi,” he concluded.
In his closing remarks, Dr Sam Sibakwe, Director of Health and Social Services for Rev. John Chilembwe Hospital, commended IHAM and PAC for complementing government efforts to improve the lives of women living with fistula. “Women with this condition endure social isolation and often face divorce. I extend my gratitude to the organizations and donors who allocated resources to this surgery camp,” he said.
Martha Sharif, one of the patients whose fistula was repaired, praised the initiative, stating, “This surgery has restored my dignity as a woman. I lost my confidence and my ability to participate in community social activities due to my condition. Now I am dry and ready to engage in both religious and community programs.”
Sharif, 38, a mother of four, shared that her condition began in 2005 and worsened after the birth of her fourth child in 2023. She urged women suffering from fistula to take advantage of opportunities like the IHAM surgical camp.
According to the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA), fistula is a childbirth injury caused by prolonged, obstructed labour without prompt medical attention. It is estimated that around 20,000 women and girls in Malawi live with this devastating yet preventable and treatable injury.
