Social Impact

FISTULA

Towards a Fistula-Free Generation

As many as 3,000 Tanzanian women develop obstetric fistula each year, a condition that leaves them incontinent, leaking urine and/or faeces uncontrollably. As a result, they are often excluded from their families and communities.

Obstetric fistula is a childbirth injury caused by prolonged, obstructed labour. It occurs when pressure from the baby’s head compresses the mother’s soft tissue in the birth canal, which obstructs blood flow. Without blood, the tissues die and a hole forms between the bladder and the vagina or the rectum and the vagina

CCBRT’s Efforts

From when it started treating fistula, CCBRT and satellite facilities have treated more than 10,000 women living with fistula enabling them to re-establish clean and respected identities as well as reinstating their productive and reproductive capabilities. More than 90% of fistula patients were completely healed and went home to unite with their families, equally participating in the community, family and personal social and economic activities. Fistula treatment contributes to United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals number 1, 3, 5,8,10 and 17. CCBRT does not end in treating fistula but also empowers them to improve their social and economic lives through its holistic care approach and Mabinti Training Centre.

The use of fistula ambassadors and mobile money transfers to facilitate patient transport to CCBRT is an innovative means which addresses transport barriers and increases access to appropriate health care among marginalized women living with fistula.