Cabo Delgado: Despite the efforts: Women in Cabo Delgado still suffer from obstetric fistula

 

Women in rural areas of the Cabo Delgado province northern of Mozambique continue to face a health dilemma as cases of obstetric fistula are reported, despite ongoing efforts by health authorities and their partners to eradicate this disease, which is typically associated with complications during childbirth, especially in situations where medical care is unavailable.

According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), four years ago, in 2020, Mozambique projected that more than 2,500 women would suffer from obstetric fistula. According to health authorities, during the first half of this year, 2024, the province of Cabo Delgado diagnosed 88 women suffering from the condition.

The head of the obstetric fistula treatment program in Cabo Delgado, surgeon Alberto Alforma, based at the Provincial Hospital in Pemba (the largest healthcare facility), revealed last year that the 88 diagnosed women underwent surgery and are now considered cured.

In Cabo Delgado, four (4) health units those in Pemba, Chiúre, Metoro, and Montepuez have been prominent in the first six months of 2024 for performing surgery on women diagnosed with obstetric fistula.

"We registered and treated 88 patients with obstetric fistula. Of this total, 30 underwent surgery. The provincial, rural, and district hospitals, in addition to the Metoro Health Center, conducted observation and repair campaigns. The Provincial Hospital attended to 16 cases and performed 8 surgeries; the Montepuez Rural Hospital observed 15 cases and operated on 4; the remaining patients were treated in Chiúre and Metoro," reported surgeon Alberto Alforma to the press.

The source explained that factors such as early marriages, premature births, and limited access to obstetric care contribute to the occurrence of fistula.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) highlights that obstetric fistula is a prevalent issue for women in Mozambique and worldwide. It is caused by prolonged or obstructed labor without timely and adequate medical care. Obstetric fistula often leads to chronic medical problems, depression, social isolation, and increased poverty.

Surgeon Alberto Alforma also points out that "Many women lack knowledge of or access to medical care during pregnancy." Additionally, "cultural barriers also play a role, as in many communities, the decision to seek healthcare depends on the authorization of family members," he clarified.

However, the province of Cabo Delgado is still far from solving the problem of obstetric fistula, especially in rural areas. According to the healthcare professional, there is a need to train specialized professionals and improve infrastructure.

"There is a shortage of health units equipped to perform obstetric surgeries in rural areas. Moreover, we need to train more professionals in this field to deal with this condition. If we do not strengthen the health system and train local professionals, we will continue to face this public health problem."

Women interviewed claim to have no accurate information about the disease and suggest that awareness-raising efforts should be conducted in accessible language to overcome cultural barriers.

"I’ve never heard of obstetric fistula. In my community, we talk more about pregnancy and childbirth, but never about this," said one of the women interviewed.

"If I had known about obstetric fistula, maybe I could have sought help earlier. I don’t know anyone who has talked about it here," said another woman, visibly interested in learning more. "Women here don’t usually discuss health problems. Obstetric fistula is something we are completely unaware of," added another woman. Both were speaking in the city of Pemba.

This lack of awareness is even more evident in rural areas, according to the UNFPA, which estimates that in Mozambique, many young women and adolescents lack knowledge about the disease, beyond almost complete ignorance of this condition. (AA)