Summary

Program goals

Fistula, also known as vesico-vaginal fistula, usually caused by prolonged obstructed labor is a hole in the birth canal that leaves women with chronic incontinence, and often a stillborn baby.It is estimated that one in eight pregnant women develops fistula in Sierra Leone, mostly stemming from from poor prenatal care and high teenage pregnancy rates. Fistula hotline links woman who suspect they might have a fistula to a specialized nurse who can assess the symptoms and refer to treatment if necessary.

Key program components

The Aberdeen Women's Centre provides the only comprehensive fistula repair service in the Sierra Leone. The Fistula Hotline is a toll-free phone number that allows women from remote areas to call specialized nurses at the centre about their symptoms, who then determine if the women are eligible for fistula treatment. Shortly after the hotline opened in October, radio messages were broadcast in the local Krio language and in English, describing fistula and telling anyone who thinks they are affected to call 555. About 165 patients were referred to the centre through the hotline. So far, 119 patients have been repaired with a success rate of 85 per cent.