NEWS > Obstetric fistula - CCBRT
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Obstetric fistula - CCBRTCCBRT  Causes and results of fistula Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) is caused by prolonged, obstructed labour without timely medical intervention. The pressure of the baby’s head in the birth canal causes a hole to form between the bladder and the vagina, or between the rectum and the vagina. As a result, women become incontinent. Untreated, VVF can lead to chronic medical, social and psychological problems. VVF isolates women. They are often excluded from daily activities. Family support may be withdrawn and husbands frequently leave. Many women live with the condition for decades, unable to access the medical intervention that can change their lives. CCBRT success - and future goals In 2009, Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation in Tanzania (CCBRT) performed 162 surgeries for VVF and facilitated another 34 in northern Tanzania in partnership with local hospitals there. Determined to reach more women, CCBRT is challenging the barriers which prevent women in Tanzania from seeking treatment. CCBRT aims to raise awareness of VVF countrywide, access more women living with VVF, and to double the number of VVF operations it performs in 2010. Barriers and response The main barriers to treatment and CCBRT’s responses are: 1. Lack of awareness of available treatment: Many women with VVF are unaware that their condition can be treated. CCBRT is raising awareness through: outreach work; the media; poster campaigns; working with partners (such as Women’s Dignity and local hospitals); and mobile clinics. Already this year, CCBRT has placed 60 mentions about VVF on radio stations across Tanzania - informing people about the condition and where to access treatment. 2. Cost of transport and surgery: Paying for transport to and from hospital, and the cost of surgery prevents many women from coming for treatment. CCBRT is tackling this by:
3. Accommodation before treatment: Many women have nowhere to stay before they are treated. Their condition means that even family members may not host them. CCBRT has refurbished a 20 bed hostel, where women and a caregiver can stay on-site before surgery. The hostel provides three free meals daily, a cleaner service and health education plus access to weekly training from the Mabinti Center. Mabinti empowers women who have been treated for VVF by training them to sew, bead and manage a business. |
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