Happy to be living again
Twenty-Seven Years old Isnio Abdi is a happy woman. For the last seven years, Isinio
Overcoming a frustrating condition
Sarah Naiku’s heart skips a beat whenever the thought of adding another baby strikes her
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.
28th April
I travelled five-and-a-half-hour-long journey to receive free fistula treatment
Francisca Chepng’eno is a 39-year-old mother of two living in Bomet. She has a heavy
30th March
I am excited to resume my social activities in the community
Elina Shida Sultan is a 43-year-old mother of eight living in Kasangu, Kilifi County. She
30th March
I was told I was cursed and needed spiritual intervention
Jasmila Celina Kalama Charo is a 35-year-old lady residing in Malindi. Before speaking to her,
26th November
My husband kept telling me I am dirty during sexual intercourse
Joan Ndungu is a 46-year-old mother of six. She sounds very happy and energetic during
25th November
I Was Too Embarrassed To Share My Condition With Anyone
Mary Nyawira is a 65-year-old mother of three. She developed fistula in 2001 while delivering
24th November
I Was Frustrated. What Had My Life Become?
Immaculate Wambura is a 48-year-old mother of four. Her eldest child is 21 years old