By Sabri Dibaco
Fifty-eight women affected by obstetric fistula have received surgical treatment during a fistula repair camp held in Juba, Amref Health Africa says.
The camp ran from August 25 to September 7 and brought together medical teams, the Ministry of Health, Juba Teaching Hospital, Amref Health Africa, and other partners to provide treatment to women living with fistula.
Speaking during the closing ceremony, Camp Lead Dr. Lado Wani Ismail thanked the Ministry of Health, partners, hospital administration, medical teams, and patient coordinators for supporting the program.
“The camp may be over, but the routine fistula services will continue,” Dr. Wani said.
Obstetric fistula is a condition affecting women following childbirth and can have serious effects on their health, dignity, and participation in community life.
Amref Health Africa says 21 additional women received routine fistula repairs between July and August. It adds that routine services will continue at Juba Teaching Hospital until the end of 2026.
For survivors, the treatment has brought renewed hope. Christine, a 40-year-old woman from Kapoeta, said the condition had restricted her ability to participate in community activities.
“I was tired of living with this condition. For a long time, I could not go anywhere in my community. I am now happy and excited about the future,” Christine said.
Amref Health Africa representative Taban Patrick praised the partnership between Amref, CUAMM, SNAMA, the Ministry of Health, and Juba Teaching Hospital.
“This has been a strong demonstration of what we can achieve when partners, government, and health facilities work together,” Patrick said.
Patrick said the program aims to support 300 fistula repairs by the end of 2026, with 70 cases repaired so far. He also called for stronger community-level identification and referral of women affected by fistula.
The Ministry of Health’s Coordinator for Fistula Patients, Mr. Akech, called for fistula repair to become part of routine surgical services.
“Having a fistula surgeon stationed at Juba Teaching Hospital is an important step forward,” Akech said.
The organisers say the camp highlights the need for continued investment in fistula prevention, referral, treatment, and community awareness.