Recounting Gains in the Fights Against World Obstetric Fistula in Tanzania

Amref Health Africa in Tanzania is making strides in the fight against obstetric fistula – a devastating injury that takes a significant toll on women’s physical, emotional, and social well-being.

On May 23rd, 2023, Amref Tanzania participated in the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula alongside the Ministry of Health, UNFPA, Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation Tanzania (CCBRT), Magu Poverty Focus on Older People Rehabilitation Centre (MAPERECE) and other stakeholders. The event was held nationally in Kasulu district council in Kigoma region under the theme “20 years on – Progress but not enough! Act now to end fistula by 2030.”

During the event, Amref highlighted the progress made so far and the need for more action to achieve the goal of ending obstetric fistula by 2030. Amref Tanzania’s programme identifies cases of obstetric fistula at community level, connects the affected women to health facilities for treatment, offers psychosocial support, and helps survivors set-up income-generating activities to increase their confidence and financial independence.

In the last three years, Amref has reached over 410,090 community members through awareness-raising initiatives, trained 191 healthcare professionals, funded the treatment and support of over 12,600 women across Tanzania, empowered 142 women on income-generating activities, and given medical equipment to over 40 health facilities.

As a result of Amref’s initiatives, fistula survivors’ self-worth, quality of life, and positivity about the future have all increased by 95%, along with their monthly income by 25% and their entrepreneurial abilities by 64%.

Amref Tanzania is committed to supporting global and national efforts to end fistula and restore smiles to the faces of survivors. The Amref Fistula Programme is a partnership between Amref UK, Amref Tanzania, MAPERECE, CCBRT, and Bugando Medical Centre. The programme will continue implementing this project in Mwanza and Geita regions until October, 2025. With the concerted efforts of stakeholders, we are hopeful no women will have to suffer from obstetric fistula anymore in Tanzania by 2030.

Written by Julieth Mongi