Women treated for obstetric fistula in Western Equatoria State on Thursday appealed for the continuation of free surgical services, saying many women in remote communities are still living with the debilitating condition and need urgent medical support.
The appeal came from beneficiaries of a 2025 fistula treatment campaign conducted at Yambio State Hospital by South Sudan’s government in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and AMREF Health Africa, with funding from Norway.
The campaign provided free surgery and post-operative care to dozens of women suffering from obstetric fistula, a childbirth injury commonly caused by prolonged or obstructed labour.
Suzan Kazimilo, one of the survivors, told Radio Tamazuj that she lived with the condition for six years before undergoing surgery in August last year.
“I underwent surgery last year after living with the condition for six years. Today I am happy to say I am now okay and the operation was successful,” she said.
“The treatment was completely free. I did not pay anything, and they supported me throughout the process.”
Kazimilo urged donors and health partners to continue supporting fistula treatment programmes.
“There are still many women out there who need this help,” she said. “We will also mobilize others who are afraid so they can come for treatment.”
Another beneficiary, Mercy Anna Wamite, said the surgery had transformed her life after years of suffering.
“I suffered for years with bladder problems, but after surgery I am now fine. There is no more leakage of urine,” she said.
Unice Francis, another survivor, said she lived with the condition for 11 years before receiving treatment.
“I suffered for 11 years, but when the medical team came, I was treated and now I am completely fine,” she said.
Bibi Ester, who underwent surgery after living with fistula for eight years, said all services under the programme were provided free of charge, including medicines and other support.
Yambio State Hospital Medical Director Dr. Konjo Samuel said the facility continued to face major challenges, particularly shortages in blood supplies for emergency cases.
“Our main challenge is blood availability,” he said. “We depend on family donors, which means we do not have enough screened blood for emergencies.”
He also cited shortages of health workers, delays in salary payments and inconsistent supplies of essential medicines as major constraints affecting healthcare delivery.
“We need adequate staffing, timely salaries for health workers, and continuous supply of medicines,” he said.
Konjo called for the continuation and expansion of fistula outreach and surgical campaigns, saying they had significantly improved the lives of affected women.
According to health officials, the 2025 campaign screened dozens of women across Western Equatoria State, with many receiving surgery and follow-up care.
An earlier campaign at Yambio State Hospital screened at least 44 women, with 22 undergoing successful fistula surgery through support from UNFPA, AMREF Health Africa and the Norwegian government.
The outreach programme covered several counties, including Yambio, Nzara, Ezo, Mundri and Maridi.
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