When Emiline Mwasi heard about, the fistula camp in Kilifi County her heart leapt with joy.
For three years Emiline has been suffering from fistula. She has been eagerly waiting for the day she will get treated for the condition that crippled her. The condition developed while delivering her firstborn child in 2020.
Fistula is a condition that leaves women and girls leaking urine, faeces or both; as a result, it causes infections, pain, and bad smell, and often triggers stigma and the breakdown of family, work, and community life.
Emiline has before tried to seek treatment but her finances would not allow her to continue. She has therefore been suffering silently, waiting for the day she will get a Good Samaritan and help her treat the condition. The fact that she didn’t have support made it hard to treat the condition on her own. “I came to learn of the condition during clinic sessions. I tried to treat it but treating Fistula is expensive. I was once connected to a gynecologist and I would pay Ksh 2500 for consultation only. I didn’t have a financial marshal to continue,” explains Emiline, 35.
Emilline notes that the condition had stopped her life as she couldn’t go far away from her house. “I have always been extra careful not to mess up while away from home. It was so bad that I could carry extra clothes while visiting places I would stay for long hours although the visits were rare,” she says noting that she has never messed up and as it is embarrassing.
She, therefore prefers working from home as she babysits her only child. Here she is able to manage herself.
Husband Relationship…
Although her child is doing well Emiline notes that her husband left her when he learnt of the condition. “Before he used to love me but the moment he realized I could not control my bladder and I would leak urine, he abandoned me. I was in rude shock that no sooner had I opened up to him, about my condition, than he started abusing me. He distanced himself from me. To add insult to injury, she started talking ill about me,” she explains adding that her husband’s move affected her physiologically.
Her husband’s deed saw Emiline develop cold feet on marriage. “I am grateful that I still have friends who stood with me despite my husband’s actions. There are even men who have been hitting on me but I am hesitant to bow to their demands. I doubt they are different from my former husband. I fear if they learn of my condition they will leave. It’s hard for me to trust men. I will marry once I have recovered fully and at least get a person who is ready to settle with me,” she says noting that she hasn’t closed the marriage chapter completely.
After the departure of her husband Emiline wanted a shoulder to lean, an ear to listen and a hand to hold and that’s when she found solace in church. At church, she joined small units in women’s fellowship. “I happen to be interacting with a fellow member, a retired nurse, who was like my mum. I opened up to her about my condition. She advised me on the fistula management method. She later told me of the Flying Doctor Society of Africa fistula campaigns and helped me to register for treatment,” she says advising women in the same predicament to share about the issue with trusted friends so they might find help.
According to the World Health Organization, fistula strikes roughly 50,000 to 100,000 women and girls every year, mainly in resource-poor countries in sub-Saharan Africa
Daughter’s love…
Although the birth of her daughter caused this condition she maintains that her daughter remains her source of joy and she can’t regret the decision. “It’s true I developed this condition while delivering my first born but not even the pain and stigma I have gone through can break the bond between me and her. She is my source of strength and joy,” she says happily.
Emiline notes its every woman’s joy to hold her baby despite the pain. “Holding a bundle of joy is every woman’s dream and I count myself lucky that I am privileged to be among women who have been blessed with a baby,” she emphasizes.
She notes that she has now started a new chapter in her life as her daughter has started school and she has as well got treated. ”I am happy that M-PESA Foundation, Flying Doctors Society of Africa and Royal Media Services has restored my dignity as a woman. I will now be able to work and look for our daily bread. I want to give my child the best education,” says Emalline a tailor.
