Ngilu Urges Women to Deliver in Hospitals to End Fistula Complications

By Barrack Muli

Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu has decried the high number of fistula cases resulting from prolonged and obstructed labour, which could have been resolved with an emergency caesarean section if handled at health facilities. Speaking at the County Referral Hospital in Kitui town today, the Governor said basic fistula screening in the facility were available and urged those with complicated cases to visit the nearby hospitals for confirmation tests and subsequent treatment.

“We urge all women of reproductive health to make use of our trained health workers and equipped facilities to reduce the risk of complications that result to fistula” she said.

She noted that 50% of women in the county essaywritingservice deliver at home and only 48% seek medical assistance in the facilities. 
The Flying Doctors Society of Africa, Safaricom Foundation and the County Government of Kitui have teamed up to hold the first free Fistula Medical camp in the county targeting at least 30 women with fistula. According to the Chief Officer Health Dr. Richard Muthoka, the County has treated 54 cases of fistula in the last 5 days and admitted additional 19 awaiting operation. The camp has attracted cases from Embu, Nairobi, Garissa among other counties.

The Flying Doctors Society of Africa Vice Chairman John Mramba said the group seeks to support women with Obstetric Fistula and provide them with free medical treatment. He added that the group will be enrolling women who will be treated for Fistula to the noble initiative of the County Insurance Cover {K-CHIC}. He said there are estimated 1,000 to 3,000 new cases of fistula annually in Kenya with only 7.5% able to access medical care for the condition.

A United Nations report released in 2004 estimates the backlog of fistula cases to be as high as 300,000. Since 2006, approximately 4000 women in Kenya suffering from fistula have undergone successful surgeries.Ends…