Visit report
The Centre runs a training programme for surgeons, nurses, medical and clinical officers. These are all trained by a Malawian fistula surgeon.
This centre is located in the grounds of Bwaila Hospital, Lilongwe and has 35 beds and an operating theatre.
The unit in Lilongwe sees and treats up to 300 women per year with vesico-vaginal fistula, (VVF), partly as ongoing work and partly at twice yearly ‘camps’. These run for an intensive 10-day period, during which 90 women are treated. These camps also take place in other Fistula Centres in Zomba and Blantyre. The overall success of surgery is 91%.
Overview/Case Study
Obstetric fistula is a devastating childbirth injury caused by prolonged obstructed labour. To elaborate, it causes incontinence and infection and social stigmatisation. Between 50,000 and 100,000 women each year are affected each year globally. The Fistula Care Centre is a national specialist organisation treating women with VVF, usually caused by the ‘3 delays’ in maternity management.
The Centre takes a holistic approach to the care and rehabilitation of patients. They draw on rehabilitation, education and an empowerment programme. This includes access to micro-finance, a solar project where the women are given and taught to use a portable solar panel unit and literacy and numeracy classes, as well as lessons in arts and crafts.
The Centre has also established an Ambassador Programme where patients return to their communities and talk about the condition and its effect on women as well as supporting other women with VVF to seek support at the Centre. Despite being relatively well funded, the Centre still cannot access all the medicines and medical supplies it needs as there is a shortage of availability from the government.
They are therefore continually in need of antibiotics, painkillers, plasters and catheters. They were also very keen to receive Afripads (reusable sanitary pads) to add to the “welcome box” the women receive on arrival at the Centre. The approach taken to supporting the women was very impressive. .
To learn more about our partners at this health centre please visit:
St John of God Hospital’s Official Site