By Ibrahim Sorie Koroma, Senior Health Promotion Officer –HEP/MoH
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone – On World Fistula Day, May 23, fistula survivor Betty Samai shared her emotional journey of battling obstetric fistula, urging women suffering from the condition to seek early medical care. She emphasized that fistula is largely preventable, treatable, and curable if addressed in time.
Betty’s ordeal began in 2005 when she developed fistula while giving birth to her third child at home in her village. Enduring a prolonged and obstructed labor, she suffered immense pain until her sister advised her to visit a nearby health facility. From there, she was referred to Bo Government Regional Hospital, where doctors informed her that her baby had moved into the bladder, causing a serious blockage. “I had never heard of a disease like that before,” Betty recalled tearfully. “I had to cry upon hearing this because I knew it was something serious and that I was going to die.”
At Bo Regional Hospital, doctors managed to resuscitate Betty and performed an emergency surgery to deliver the baby. However, due to severe complications from multiple bladder tears, she was transferred to Freetown for further treatment. She underwent three surgeries before finally recovering. “All the surgeries were completed, and I was rehabilitated and reintegrated into the community,” she said.
Betty also spoke about the personal hardships she endured during her recovery. Her husband abandoned her, leaving her to face the trauma alone. “At a time like this, I needed him most, but he was nowhere to be found,” she said, her voice breaking with emotion. To make matters worse, she later discovered that he had married another woman while she was in the hospital. “It was as if my world had crashed,” she said.
Upon returning home after her first surgery, Betty was further ostracized by some community members who mocked and stigmatized her. Despite the setbacks, she remained grateful to the healthcare professionals who supported her through her journey. “I thank God and my family for seeing me through all my struggles with fistula,” she concluded.
Obstetric fistula is a serious childbirth injury caused by prolonged and obstructed labor, leading to an abnormal hole between the vagina and either the bladder or rectum. This condition results in uncontrollable leakage of urine or feces, but experts stress that it is preventable and treatable with early medical intervention.
World Fistula Day serves as a reminder of the need for increased awareness, early detection, and better access to healthcare for women suffering from fistula. Betty’s story is a testament to resilience, hope, and the importance of seeking timely medical care.