Quinter Akinyi is a mother of four from Kabunde, Homabay County. She works as an ECD teacher and cares deeply about helping children and her community. Yet, behind her smile, she was hiding a painful secret: an obstetric fistula. After a difficult childbirth that ended in loss, Quinter developed a fistula, which left her incontinent and isolated. Even after several failed surgeries, she did not let her condition define her. Everything changed when she heard about a free fistula camp organised by Amref Health Africa in Kenya, in partnership with UNFPA, Mpesa Foundation, Beyond Zero Kenya, and the Flying Doctors Society of Africa. The camp, held at Homabay County Teaching and Referral Hospital, gave women like Quinter access to medical treatment and a chance to regain their dignity and self-worth.
During the birth of her fourth child, Quinter faced a terrible complication. Her baby was stillborn, and she developed an obstetric fistula. Her life changed completely. She struggled with constant incontinence and an embarrassing smell, which led her to withdraw as her community turned away from her. Hoping for a cure, she went to several hospitals, but every surgery failed. Each setback made her feel more hopeless, and she started to doubt she would ever heal or be accepted again.
For a year, Quinter lived with the pain of a fistula. The constant leakage and stigma made her feel lonely and depressed. Even though her family tried to support her, they found it hard to fully accept her situation. She often felt unloved and unseen. Still, Quinter did not give up. She focused on being a mother and teacher, finding strength in her children and in her husband’s steady support. His presence gave her hope that she could get her life back.
One morning, while washing dishes, Quinter heard an announcement on Ramogi Radio about a free fistula camp at Homabay County Referral Hospital. She remembered all her past failed hospital visits and how much she had already spent trying to get better. This felt like her last hope. Nervously, she told her husband she wanted to try again. Gathering her courage, Quinter decided to take a leap of faith. She saw this as her chance to regain her health, dignity, and place in her community.
At the camp, Quinter felt nervous but determined. She was screened and scheduled for her third and final surgery. The hospital was full of women like her, all hoping for a new start. After two days, Quinter went into the operating room. The doctors treated her with great care and kindness, which helped her feel hopeful again. She stayed for a week to recover, hoping this surgery would finally heal her.
A week later, Quinter experienced something she had only dreamed of: she was dry. For the first time since her ordeal began, she was no longer leaking urine. “I could not believe that I was not passing urine unconsciously,” she said, her voice full of gratitude and disbelief.
Quinter received helpful advice on nutrition and activities to support her recovery. Even more important was the emotional support. In weekly group sessions, she met other women who had survived a fistula. They shared their stories, broke the silence, and found strength together. “When I join the training and meet other women who have undergone repair, I realise I am not alone. We share, and I remind myself I am better off.” These sessions help fight stigma, build solidarity, and teach self-care for recovery.
The support group also teaches women business and entrepreneurial skills, helping them rebuild their lives and return to their communities.
Months later, Amref and its partners came back to Homabay County to see how the women were doing. The change was clear. Where there had been in despair, there was now joy. Quinter looked happy and free. She was fully healed and could live with dignity again. Grateful, she said, “I don’t know how to thank you. You were God-sent. My leap of faith has helped me regain my sense of self and dignity. I can now perform my routine work as a woman. God bless you abundantly – erokamano.”
Quinter’s story is more than overcoming fistula. It shows the strength of the human spirit, the importance of community, and the life-changing work of organisations like Amref Health Africa and its partners. Her journey from pain to hope proves that with courage and support, even the deepest wounds can heal. One woman’s success can inspire many others.
Author: Noah Wekesa – Digital Communications and Engagement Officer, Amref Health Africa.