The South Sudanese government, in partnership with Amref Health Africa, on Tuesday launched a campaign in Yambio to provide free surgeries, training and awareness for women with obstetric fistula.
The initiative in Western Equatoria State aims to restore dignity and improve maternal health, officials said.
Dr. Koma Akim, clinical coordinator for obstetric fistula in Juba, said the campaign will also train local surgeons. He said 24 women had been screened, 22 qualified for surgery and six underwent operations on the first day, with all procedures expected to be completed by the end of the week.
An estimated 60,000 women and girls in South Sudan are living with the condition, which is often caused by delays in accessing skilled delivery services and long distances to hospitals, he added.
Dr. Anthony Wanjala, an obstetrician and gynecologist from Kenya working with Amref, emphasized building local capacity. “I have helped many women in Kenya, and now I am here to support and train health workers in Yambio so they can continue this work,” he said.
Screening began last Saturday at Yambio State Hospital and attracted women from across the state and neighboring areas, said Dr. Konjo Samuel, medical director at the Western Equatoria State Ministry of Health.
State Health Minister James Abdallah Arona thanked the national government and partners, saying the program will bring hope to women and girls. “This program is vital because it values the health of our mothers and daughters,” he stated.
Officials said the campaign will help reduce the country’s high burden of fistula cases.
Obstetric fistula is a disease most common among women that accounts for up to 8 percent of deaths worldwide and is caused by difficulties during child birth.