Our Stories

Cost of treatment was too high

Anifa Adhiambo, a 32-year-old mother of three (3) living in Mwiki, in Nairobi. She developed

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My struggle with perineal fistula

African culture places a high value on marriage and having children. In most African cultures

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After living with obstetric fistula for more than ten years, Carolyne Lwiki knows what it means to lose dignity — and what it takes to reclaim it. Following life-changing surgery through the Integrated Fistula Program, Carolyne didn’t just heal physically; she rebuilt her future. With enterprise training supported by Hand in Hand East Africa, she launched a small grocery business that now provides stability, pride, and independence. Today, Carolyne is also a fistula champion, actively identifying and referring other women for screening and treatment so they don’t suffer in silence. Her journey shows how healing one woman can uplift an entire community.

Carolyne Lwiki Bungoma County

Judith Mweri’s joy after childbirth quickly turned into a year of pain and unanswered questions as her fistula went undiagnosed. After multiple failed attempts to get help, she lost hope — until a simple text message about a fistula camp changed everything. Judith reached the camp at Kilifi County Referral Hospital, received surgery, and began her recovery with renewed confidence. When an accident caused the fistula to return, a follow-up call ensured she accessed a second successful operation. Now healed, Judith speaks openly in her community, encouraging women to seek care early and reminding them that treatment is possible.

Judith Mweri Kilifi County

For nearly 30 years, Elaine* lived quietly with a recto-vaginal fistula after traumatic deliveries and repeated neglect in care. She survived by hiding her condition, limiting food, avoiding travel, and enduring daily humiliation in silence. In 2022, Elaine saw a TV feature on fistula and realized she was not alone — and that help existed. Though she struggled to afford transport, she finally reached a camp at Thika Level 5 Hospital and underwent successful surgery. Today, Elaine is free, hopeful, and speaking out so other women can be found and treated earlier — not decades later.

Elaine* Kiambu/Nairobi