Mary developed fistula after delivering her child in 1993. She had laboured for a long while and was eager to meet her bundle of joy in whatever way possible therefore when she was referred for a caesarean section, she did not mind it. Unfortunately, Mary had a still born. She was heartbroken. To add on, while getting ready to be discharged, her catheter was removed only to discovered that she was unable to control her urine flow. Not only had she lost her child but she had also been left with a disease she was not sure was curable.

Through the years, Mary has sought help from three different hospitals but whenever the catheter was removed, she would find that she had not recovered and would be back to her struggles. This saddened her but did not discourage her. She was still hopeful and continued to seek opportunities to get medical treatment.

Having fistula has not been a walk in the park for Mary. She was forced to use diapers to avoiding making a mess. Mary could not sustain her friendships. Her friends abandoned her once they discovered that she had fistula. She was forced into a life of solitude. Mary tried to maintain a normal social life and attended gatherings such as church when she could, but she did not disclose her situation to anyone. She also could not maintain a job. She had been a casual labourer offering domestic services and not all employers could accept for her to offer them her services given that she often had a stench following her.

While out on a casual job, Mary heard about the fistula camp hosted by the Flying Doctors Society of Africa from her colleague. She was informed about a text message with information about the camp. That evening, Mary hang around her neighbour’s house with the hopes of getting the information from the news. She was lucky enough to catch the discussion on fistula which highlighted the medical camp. Mary was resolute that she would not miss out and would present herself to try and get help.

Mary went to Migori County Hospital where the service was being offered. She was treated and is hopeful that she is now fully recovered. Mary is thankful to the M-PESA Foundation, Ramogi and The Flying Doctors Society of Africa and all other partners who have made the clinic possible. She looks forward to living an improved quality of life after the surgery.

Peninah narrates that she developed fistula in 2019 while delivering her 2nd child. She had laboured at home for 4 days and ended up having a home birth without any help. After delivery, she went to hospital to ensure that all was well and informed the health care workers that she was unable to control her urine flow. The hospital unfortunately offered no solution and left her to own devices.

She has managed to live with her condition and her life has not changed much.  She continued to attend social events and mingle with others despite her condition. Despite her husband not being able to afford diapers, she has managed to go about her life without them. Lacking the financial muscle to do much has not stopped Peninah’s husband from supporting her. He even brought her to the medical camp for treatment after receiving information about the medical camp.

Peninah underwent surgery on Monday 27th February 2023 and is hopeful that she will recover. She is looking forward to resuming her normal life. She is thankful to the partners for the help.

Nasieku developed fistula in August 2019 when she was delivering her child. She had visited the local hospital for delivery but was referred to Narok Hospital where she delivered her bundle of joy. 2 weeks after delivery, Nasieku discovered that she was unable to control her urine flow. She sought medical treatment immediately but unfortunately the surgery was not successful and she still was unable to control her urine flow. In April 2020 she decided to seek medical treatment but again it was not successful. She resigned to her fate and went back home distraught.

Life with fistula has not been easy. She has had to use diapers to avoiding making a mess. She would often suffer diaper burns and would have to change her clothes several times a day. This cost her, her social life. Her peers ridiculed and made fun of her. Her friends abandoned her and left her in solitude. Further, she was unable to maintain a job. Luckily, her husband and her family has been very supportive and provided both emotional and psychosocial support.

In early February 2023, she received a message informing her of the free medical camp at Migori County Hospital. She was not going to miss the opportunity and was eager to attend the clinic. She successfully went through surgery on Monday 27th February 2023 and is very happy and grateful.

Nasieku is looking forward to going back to school now that she is healed. She is thankful to M-PESA Foundation, Ramogi and the Flying Doctors’ Society of Africa for the help and urges all suffering from fistula to seek medical help and take advantage of opportunities such as this.