South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Simon Deng
The two-week fistula medical campaign at Juba Teaching Hospital has concluded, with 33 mothers successfully undergoing surgery at the main referral health facility.
Ann Modong, the project officer for Amref Health Africa, revealed that out of the 50 mothers assessed with obstetric fistula, 33 were successfully operated on by a team of surgeons at Juba Teaching Hospital.
“We were able to repair the number of mothers announced during the opening ceremony; 33 were successfully treated,” Modong said during the closing ceremony on Thursday at the hospital.
“Some of them have already been discharged, while others are still in the hospital being monitored. Once they have healed completely, they will be discharged,” she added.
Modong explained that the mothers are receiving psychological support and are also being provided with funds for business start-ups.
“We have a surgeon who specialises in fistula cases, brought in from the region. He is working alongside the team of surgeons on the ground to repair these mothers. It is a team effort, involving nurses, midwives, obstetricians, and gynaecologists at Juba Teaching Hospital,” she said.
Akech Deng, the National Fistula Coordinator for the Ministry of Health, stated that the government has developed a national strategic plan to combat obstetric fistula in the country.
“The Ministry of Health, in partnership with UNFPA and the Government of Norway, along with implementing partners, has devised a strategy. We have recruited mobilisers across counties in South Sudan; these mobilisers are visiting schools, hospitals, and churches, engaging with chiefs about the boma health initiative,” said Akech.
“The Ministry of Health has also announced free surgeries, supported by donors. The surgery, accommodation, and treatment are all free. Women receive financial assistance after their treatment,” he noted.
“As the Ministry of Health, together with our partners, we aim to reduce obstetric fistula by the end of 2030.”
