KATAKWI — Women in Katakwi District are raising alarm over the growing burden of fistula complications, calling on the government to expand access to free treatment and strengthen interventions to address the condition.
Fistula, a medical condition characterized by an abnormal opening between the vagina and nearby organs such as the bladder or rectum, has left many women in the district battling chronic health challenges, social stigma, and emotional distress.
Affected women say the condition has led to involuntary leakage of urine or feces, infections, and persistent discomfort, forcing many into isolation and, in some cases, abandonment by their families.
Speaking during an interview in Aleles Kololo Cell, Katakwi Town Council, Rematovo Catharine, a fistula survivor and chairperson of a local women’s savings group, described the situation as alarming.
She revealed that out of more than 70 women in their group, at least 20 are survivors of fistula complications, many of whom struggle to access treatment due to financial constraints.
“The condition has affected many women in our community. Some are abandoned, others suffer in silence because they cannot afford treatment,” she said, calling on the government to intervene and provide free medical services.
Local leaders have echoed similar concerns. Robert Osekeny, the Local Council One chairperson of Aleles Kololo Cell, noted that fistula cases are increasingly being reported at the community level, yet many affected women remain hidden due to stigma.
He cited recent efforts by the non-governmental organization Terewode, which supported treatment for some women, but emphasized that many others are still in need of assistance.
Osekeny urged the Ministry of Health to deploy Village Health Teams (VHTs) to identify and register affected women for treatment.
“Many women are suffering quietly in the villages. We need a coordinated effort to reach them and ensure they get help,” he said.
However, Katakwi Assistant District Health Officer Christine Atim noted that while fistula cases do occur, they are relatively rare and often linked to preventable factors such as prolonged obstructed labor and reliance on unskilled birth attendants.
She encouraged women to seek care at health facilities, emphasizing that the district can refer patients to specialized medical teams for treatment.
“Fistula is treatable. Women should not remain silent but come forward for help,” Atim advised.
Medical experts explain that common types of fistula include vesicovaginal fistula, which causes continuous urine leakage, and rectovaginal fistula, which results in the leakage of fecal matter. The condition is largely preventable through access to skilled birth care and timely medical intervention.
Diagnosis typically involves clinical examinations and imaging tests, while treatment often requires surgical repair. Early detection can improve outcomes, though severe cases may need more complex medical procedures.
Health experts warn that untreated fistula can have devastating consequences, including long-term physical pain, psychological trauma, and social exclusion.
As calls for intervention grow louder, women in Katakwi are urging authorities to prioritize fistula treatment and awareness, saying that addressing the condition will not only restore their health but also their dignity and place in society.
