The Iceland Embassy in Uganda has initiated a Shs11 billion ($3,000,000) programme to address the critical issue of obstetric fistula among women in Namayingo District. The three-year program, running from January 2024 to December 2026, aims to enhance healthcare facilities and community structures, providing quality maternal health and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) services, including fistula care. Additionally, it aims to rehabilitate and reintegrate women affected by obstetric fistula into society as productive citizens.
Ms Gift Malunga, UNFPA country representative, emphasized the partnership’s focus on eliminating fistula, especially among women in hard-to-reach areas who face challenges accessing healthcare. Obstetric fistula is a severe childbirth-related complication, often overlooked as solely a medical issue. In Africa and Asia, an estimated two million cases exist, with 100,000 new cases reported annually.
According to Ms Malunga, Uganda registers approximately 1,900 new fistula cases annually, with 7 percent occurring among adolescents. Despite challenges, she commended Uganda’s efforts in addressing maternal mortality rates, particularly in the face of high teenage pregnancy rates.
Ms Hilda Engilbertsdóttir, Head of Mission-Embassy of Iceland, acknowledged Namayingo’s high fertility rates and teenage pregnancies, emphasizing the commitment to addressing these challenges through the collaborative program. She commended the Ministry of Health for its role in fighting obstetric fistula and expressed confidence in working with them and UNFPA to address the issue.
Obstetric fistula is a complex issue exacerbated by access barriers to quality maternal health care, poverty, gender inequality, sociocultural challenges, and a lack of awareness. The Shs11 billion program represents a crucial step in alleviating the suffering of women affected by this condition in Namayingo District.
