Now with a wide research and information database, we give to you personal accounts from the hearts of women and children in the video format.
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Why You Should Care
An unknown problem
I never heard of fistula before I got one.
I thought I was the only woman in the
world leaking urine and feces.
Now I know there are so many other girls
and women with fistula!
It can happen to any woman
Don't think fistula is only a young girl's
problem. I got fistula when I was 29 years old.
I am 54 now, and am so happy I will finally
get surgery and be dry.
Being ready
I was prepared for my baby – I'd save some
money, I knew where to go and my
husband asked a neighbor to bring me
there on his bicycle. All women in my
village should have a plan like this.
Access to health services
When my family realized I needed
professional help, I had to walk four hours
to the main road. There I waited for a bus,
but only one passed and it was already full.
Professional help
I was lucky. I got to a hospital with a nurse
and a doctor who took good care of me.
But I know women from my village who
have died during childbirth because no one
could help them.
Unhealthy practices
" The nurse at the facility told me,
'If you don't pay Tshs 15,000 (US$15) you
will never get a blood transfusion.
If you have to die, better die.' "
The disgrace of fistula
" I feel shame. They laugh at me.
They turn their lips up, and others leave the
moment I enter to take my tea with them. "
Alone, but not neglected
"My husband has paid for everything
– the bus, the hospital, the medicines….
He saved my life, but it will take him years
to pay back the loans."
Precious water
" Imagine you have fistula. You have to
walk six hours to get one bucket of water.
Now, you have to decide how you are going
to use the water – for washing, drinking,
bathing, and cooking, or for yourself. "
