By Wongani Mkandawire

Nkhotakota, May 12, Mana; In an effort to promote timely treatment and support to women with fistula, Theatre for a Change (TFAC) is urging women in Nkhotakota District to promptly seek medical attention if they suspect any fistula case.

Advocacy and Communications lead for TFAC, Henry Kambuzuma said this at the end of a one-week Obstetric Fistula awareness campaign conducted in Nkhotakota, aimed at reaching almost 10, 000 women with Fistula awareness messages.

Kambuzuma said;" Together with Nkhotakota District Health Office, through Bridging Hope Project titled “Empowering Women with Obstetric Fistula”, we organized a one-week awareness campaign on Obstetric Fistula treatment and prevention measures in all Traditional Authorities (T/A) in Nkhotakota District with funding from the Embassy of Iceland in Lilongwe through United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

"A research which was conducted in the district showed that only 30 percent of people are aware of Fistula, so we took a step to encourage women with such problems to get support and receive treatment at Bwaila Health Centre in Lilongwe. "He added.

According to Kambuzuma, the use of interactive theatre performances has impacted and challenged people's way of thinking, leading to behavior change among community members.

One of the survivors of Obstetric Fistula, Asiyatu Tambala from Chiputa Village Traditional Authority Malengachanzi, testified that she received her treatment and was cured from Fistula at Bwaila hospital after suffering for 15 years.

"I suffered for 15 years, it started in the year 2000 and I received my treatment at Bwaila Health Centre in the year 2015, since then I am free ", said Tambala.

Another survivor, Gladys Nkhoma from Kamange Village in the area of T/A Malengachanzi said she got treated at Bwaila Hospital.

"I had the same problem after giving birth, and was referred to Bwaila hospital where I received treatment in 2022."Said Nkhoma.

Nkhoma has since advised all women that Fistula is treatable and preventable and they should seek medical treatment.