Lilian developed fistula after experiencing a prolonged labor during the delivery of her second child. Even though she had made it to a hospital, staff members there left her unattended. After 12 hours in labor, she gave birth on her own.
Soon afterward, Lilian discovered that she was leaking urine and stool. She was falsely assured that the leaking would heal on its own. Instead, it continued for four long years. Lilian wore diapers to control the leakage, but living with fistula was unbearable. She was isolated from her friends and work colleagues.
Then, one day, Lilian’s luck changed. A health provider told her that our partner Daraja Mbili Vision Volunteers is able to help women like her. After she got in touch with outreach workers from Daraja Mbili, they referred her to our treatment partner Kisii Gynocare. Before long, she received free fistula surgery at that facility.
Today, Lillian is dry, and she uses her powerful story of healing to help other women who have suffered from fistula. “I am very happy with my new life, and I have decided to become a counselor and an advocate to ensure that no woman will suffer with fistula the way I did,” she said. Thanks to people like you, Lilian faced fistula and is helping other women do the same.
Published on November 15, 2023