In Kenya, it is estimated that the occurrence stands at 3 to 4 women for every 1,000 deliveries. It is considered a ‘disease of poverty’ because of its tendency to affect poor rural women and girls across the continent who do not have health resources comparable to developed nations.

Treatment is available through reconstructive surgery which enables women to live normal lives and have more children.

The Freedom from Fistula Foundation was founded in the year 2009 in Scotland and launched in Kenya in July of the same year. The foundation in Kenya funds a fistula programme at Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi and a number of ‘camps’ that help treat women across the country.

According to the C.E.O Kenyatta National Hospital, Ms Lily Koros, ‘…the foundation has so far enabled free surgery for over 4000 women to be done so far in Kenya.

The Flying Doctors Society of Africa Chair who also in attendance appreciated the efforts by development partners and non-governmental organizations such as UNFPA, Fistula Foundation, Freedom from Fistula, One by One, etc...

“Our vision is to eradicate fistula and to give all women in Africa access to healthcare during pregnancy and childbirth.”-Representative of the founder of Freedom from Fistula Foundation Dr. Ann Gloag.

In addition, the C.E.O Consolidated bank,  Mr. Thomas Kiyai indicated that in collaboration with the Flying Doctors Society of Africa, Consolidated Bank have seen over 100 operations carried out, with expectations to hit the 200 mark this year.

The occasion was also graced by Her Excellency Margaret Kenyatta, The First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, “…this is a call not to those who are suffering but also to members society who may know a woman having such a condition, to share information that this problem can corrected at no cost…. To ensure all expectant mothers are safe and that they get quality healthy services, the government abolished maternity fees in all public maternity hospitals and clinics.”