I Took Over The Counter Medication As I Could Not Afford Treatment
Caroline Naliaka Wafula is a 30-year-old mother of four living in Sikanga village in Bungoma
Cost of treatment was too high
Anifa Adhiambo, a 32-year-old mother of three (3) living in Mwiki, in Nairobi. She developed
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.
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.
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.
31st August
Renewed Hope: Triumph Over Fistula in the Golden Years
Karen Umutho, a Tharaka Nithi resident is a happy woman. She has been treated for
25th May
I am starting a new chapter. I have lived an embarrassing life.
Priscah Chepkosgei, 30, resonates well with the famous quote that, that which doesn’t kill you
24th May
Dignity Restored
Celestine Likim Omuse, 53, is a happy woman after going through a successful fistula reconstructive
28th April
Double Tragedy
Memories of what happened in July 2021 in Purity Pendo Kazunguu’s life remain fresh in
28th April
New Dawn
Loise Kashutu Kalamo, 45, is a happy woman after going through, a successful surgery to
28th April
A New Chapter After Fistula Surgery
When Emiline Mwasi heard about, the fistula camp in Kilifi County her heart leapt with