The E.A Fistula Care Ghana has launched an initiative to prevent and repair complications from obstetric fistula, a debilitating condition arising during pregnancy and childbirth endured by countless women.
The goal of the initiative, held on Thursday, October 27, 2022 in Accra, was to demystify fistula and restore dignity to patients.
Speaking in an interview, a lecturer at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Dr Ernestina Asiedu, underscored the NGO’s vision.
“The EA Fistula Care Ghana is a non-profit-seeking organisation. We have a vision of being the leading fistula foundation in terms of breaking the cycle of obstetric fistula. We believe that it’s not about looking for cure for them. We believe that we should be able to reintegrate them after they have been cured.”
She dismissed claims that fistula was a spiritual disease, adding that the injury was curable.
“We want to tell the whole world that fistula is not a spiritual disease but a medical condition that could only be treated with surgery. We also want to play advocacy roles iin development of policies and also in helping others to understand the plight of fistula women.”
Dr. Asiedu added her voice to calls to support women.
“We also believe that we should carry out more research and disemination so that people will understand what fistula is and be interested in carrying researches. When a woman gets a fistula, she is already disturbed, disorganised, and prone to mental problems. That is not the time to avoid or mistreat the woman. You give her love, you show her attention. It’s not the end of life. It is curable. If you contact us, we can link you to where you can get help, even if you don’t have money. So support her, Don’t divorce her. It’s curable.”
She also remarked: “The way forward is to go into the interior because these women are hiding. They scarcely come out. We want to go deeper into the interior to really look for them and help them regain their dignity and also support their children.”
