As the world celebrated World Obstetric Fistula Day yesterday 23rd May, John Bonoh Sisay has called on all Sierra Leoneans to step up the campaign to put an end to it as he says it is one of the most embarrassing diseases that can attack a woman.
In a telephone interview the former Chief Executive Officer of Sierra Rutile John Bonoh Sisay, he said this is a sickness that affects women and it is not only painful to them but it also embarrasses them because of the way it attacks them.
“Obstetric fistula is one of the most serious and tragic injuries that can occur during childbirth. It is a hole between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum caused by prolonged, obstructed labour without treatment. It is for this reason I believe we must take action to treat and prevent it.”
Mr Sisay said he is very grateful to the Aberdeen Women’s Centre for their relentless effort to treat women of obstetric fistula and said people should continue to support them so they can do more in the country.
He said the condition typically leaves women incontinent, and as a result they are often shunned by their communities. Sufferers he said often endure depression, social isolation and deepening poverty. He said many women live with the condition for years – or even decades – because they cannot afford to obtain treatment.
“I have travelled the length and breadth of Sierra Leone and many women in the provinces suffer this embarrassing sickness. In the past I have helped cure some of them who went through the surgery and they came out well and hearty. There are many women in the provinces that need care. Please don’t hesitate to visit the nearest hospital; there are organisations all around the country that are working to end this dreadful disease and they will help you. Don’t be ashamed but put your health first so that you will be cured and live happily after.”
Mr Sisay said the theme that the United Nations chose for this year is “End fistula, restore women’s dignity.” He said he hopes the Health ministry would not relent and all of them that are able to help these women should make it their obligation to bring back the dignity these women have lost.
It is estimated that two million women in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, the Arab region, Latin America and the Caribbean are living with this injury, and some 50,000 to 100,000 new cases develop each year. Yet fistula is almost entirely preventable. Its persistence is a sign that health systems are failing to meet women’s essential needs.
2015 represented a critical turning point and a transformational moment that placed the elimination of preventable maternal and new-born deaths and injuries, including fistula, at the forefront of global and national priorities.
Thursday May 25, 2017.