By Yewo Munthali and Prisca Promise Mashushu

Lilongwe, March 7, Mana: Theatre for Change organisation has urged journalists to be at the forefront when raising awareness concerning Obstetric Fistula (OF) which is rampant among women and girls in the country.

This sentiment was raised on Friday in Lilongwe during a one-day workshop training under the Bridging Hope for Women and Girls with Obstetric Fistula project that aims at bridging the knowledge gap concerning Obstetric Fistula.

Advocacy and Communications Lead for the organisation, Henry Kambuzuma, explained that the training was conducted due to lack of knowledge among people concerning Obstetric Fistula, which has tremendous effects on women and girls in the country.

“We would like to make people aware of Obstetric Fistula, be it those affected or those that may be at risk and as such, we saw it fit to work with the media as they can take the message to Malawians through their many platforms.

“We are encouraging all people to obtain information from the journalists that were present at the workshop and in all our offices so that they can be aware of the causes, effects and preventive measures for the Obstetric Fistula,” he explained.

On his part, Fistula Surgeon at Freedom from Fistula Foundation (FFF), Patrick Nampandeni said they receive several cases, some of which the victims have lived with for a number of years due to lack of knowledge and access to health services.

"It is quite pathetic to see people suffering from this health condition while the help is there, so we need journalists to raise awareness so that the message reaches those in need or even health practitioners, so they are aware of where to direct the patients.

“About 90 percent of children die due to prolonged periods of lack of health services, which results in Obstetric Fistula; hence we continue to urge journalists and all people affected to have access to health services at the right time, as the health condition is preventable;” he said.