By Zenak Matekenya 

Dedza, September 26, Mana: In contributing towards Malawi’s commitment to eliminating obstetric fistula by 2030, Korean International Agency (KOICA) on Thursday, officially opened the Dedza District Hospital Fistula Ward, worth MK60 million.

Speaking during the event, KOICA’s Country Director, Manshik Shin, said KOICA will work tirelessly to support policies and interventions that underscore the fundamental rights of adolescent girls and women to improve their well-being.

Shin urged the health personnel at the facility to offer exceptional services to help the patients live better lives back in their communities.

He pledged continued support for girls and women in the country through KOICA’s implementing partner, UNFPA, adding that more funds will be disbursed soon.

Ministry of Health Director of Reproductive Health, Doreen Namagetsi Ali, said many obstetric Fistula come because of the delay in delivery and highlighting that this largely affects adolescent women and the youth because their bodies are not mature enough.

She said for the past three years Dedza registered a total of 161 cases of fistula which were treated at Bwaila Fistula Care Centre in Lilongwe.

Ali added that opening the centre in the district will not only assist patients in accessing services in time but also prevent patients from travelling long distances to seek treatment.

Balaka, Ntcheu and other districts stand to benefit from Dedza District Hospital, which is the third hospital in the country to have a Fistura Care Centre ward after Bwaila and Mchinji.

A Fistula survivor in Dedza, Kumvukani Kang’oma, hailed the initiative and expressed concern over stigma and discrimination from her community which renders her unproductive.

She urged women with the condition to seek medical attention to overcome various challenges they face in their daily lives.

About 350 to 400 Fistula cases are treated in the country annually and survivors are given business starter packs to support their livelihoods.