More than 60 women living with fistula are scheduled to benefit from free surgeries and medical advice following a week-long medical camp at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).

133 women have already been screened in the week-long fistula camp executed through a partnership between M-Pesa Foundation and Flying Doctors’ Society of Africa at a cost of Sh5,177,150.

The partnership officially launched in Webuye County Hospital last year has provided fistula treatment and surgery to more than 261 women in Bungoma, Kilifi, Nyeri, Kajiado and Tharaka Nithi counties.

“This partnership has created awareness about fistula in order to stop the stigma faced by women living with the condition. We strongly urge more women to get screened and take advantage of these medical camps to get free surgeries,” said M-Pesa Foundation Chairman Nicholas Nganga.

The fistula medical camps also create awareness on the importance of receiving quality maternal health services while also highlighting various projects across the counties.

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M-PESA Foundation Executive Director, Karen Basiye, interacts with 53- year- old, Ruth Njoki, (a fistula patient at Kenyatta National Hospital). Also present is KNH Physiotherapist, Rebecca Ng’ong’a.

“The Flying Doctors’ Society provides access to outreach medical services. We offer hope, create awareness and reduce the stigma faced by those living with fistula. We are committed to restoring the dignity of women and girls in the country as part of our efforts to contribute to the eradication of fistula in Kenya by 2030,” said Flying Doctors’ Society of Africa CEO, Tanya Nduati.

The most cost-effective way to tame maternal mortality and morbidities such as fistula is through timely access to quality emergency obstetric care and the presence of trained health professionals with midwifery skills during childbirth.

Karen Basiye (left) presents a dignity pack to Grace Nakholo (a fistula patient at Kenyatta National Hospital) flanked by Safaricom Foundation Principal Operations Officer Eunice Kibathi and KNH Team Lead, Gynaecological Clinic, Dr Weston Khisa.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than two million women are living with fistula in different countries across the world.

An estimated 3,000 new fistula cases are reported in Kenya annually and only 7.5 percent of the affected women can access medical care leaving more than 2,700 women unattended.