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A $3m (sh11.6bn) donation is to comprehensively address obstetric fistula and empower survivors in Namayingo district in Uganda.

Despite progress made in combatting fistula in Uganda, many women continue to grapple with the life-altering birth complication.

Seventy-five thousand to100,000 women are living with fistula, an abnormal opening between the genital and urinary tract (bladder, urethra, ureter) or rectum.

It is caused by prolonged labour and the inability to access caesarian section (C-section).

Prolonged pressure on tissues from the baby’s head leads to the tissues dying and a hole forms through which urine or stool (faeces)leaks uncontrollably.

The result is social isolation, stigma, and divorce, plus stillbirth in many cases.

Each year there are 1,900 new cases of fistula in Uganda, yet only 1,700 repair surgeries are carried out annually.

There is a growing back log for surgeries that grows by 200 cases each year and a long wait times for surgery that goes up to five years.

The backlog of cases and the increasing number of new occurrences highlight the need for sustained efforts, says Gift Malunga the UNFPA Uganda Country Representative.

“Obstetric fistula is a stark reminder of systemic failures in healthcare access, exacerbated by poverty, harmful practices and social inequalities,” said Malunga whose organisation received the funding from the government of Iceland to address obstetric fistula in Namayingo district.

On Wednesday February 7, the three-year "Survivors Treatment and Obstetric Fistula Prevention (STOP)" programme, a beacon of hope for women affected by obstetric fistula in Namayingo district referred to as an epicentre of fistula and high teenage pregnancy rates was launched.

“Through the STOP programme, we aim to increase the knowledge on obstetric fistula to create demand and enable the utilization of prevention and treatment services and strengthen the capacity of health facilities and community structures to provide quality maternal health services including fistula care,” said Malunga.

The project also focuses on rehabilitating and reintegrating fistula survivors into the community as productive citizens as well as strengthening coordination, both nationally and sub-nationally, to facilitate the implementation of sustainable and mainstream social services that foster fistula prevention and care.

“Through these efforts, we look forward to reduced maternal morbidity arising from Obstetric Fistula and restored dignity of survivors through corrective surgery, rehabilitation and social reintegration,” said Malunga.

Head of Mission, Embassy of Iceland in Uganda Hilda Engilbertsdóttir noted that fertility rates are among the highest in Namayingo as well as teenage pregnancy rates, which is a key risk factor for obstetric fistula.

“We are happy to add Uganda to the list of direct funding for UNFPA. With this programme, Iceland is working with UNFPA on fistula programming in its bilateral partner countries - Malawi, Sierra Leone and Uganda.”

“The three million dollar programme aims to comprehensively address obstetric fistula and empower survivors in Namayingo district in Uganda,” said Engilbertsdóttir.

The integrated approach focusing on prevention, treatment and social reintegration is important.

“Of importance is building up stronger systems and quality of care in the health system, to ensure sustainability,” said Engilbertsdóttir.

She said funding programmes for fighting fistula, including strengthening the quality of reproductive and maternal health services, is a good investment for enhancing both gender equality and human rights.