Samuel Shaban is a community health worker from Busenge, a small village located in Buchosa District, Mwanza north-western part of Tanzania. He is a dedicated person who has been helping the people of his village for years. However, his efforts came to the spotlight after he started working with women who were suffering from obstetric fistula.
Obstetric fistula is a medical condition that affects women who have complications during childbirth. It causes a hole in the birth canal and bladder/urinary tract and/or rectum, which in turn results in urine/fecal incontinence, constant infections, and other unpleasant symptoms. The condition is not only painful but can lead to stigma, isolation, and depression. Sadly, many women in Tanzania lose hope after developing obstetric fistula due to the lack of access to quality medical care.
Samuel Shaban noticed that many women in his community who were affected by this condition but did not know what to do or where to seek help. Luckily, Samuel got training about Obstetric Fistula from Amref Fistula project, a partnership between Amref Health Africa UK, Amref Health Africa Tanzania, Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation (CCBRT) and Magu Poverty Focus on Older People Rehabilitation Centre (MAPERECE).
Through this project, Samuel was able to link these women to Bugando Medical Centre (BMC) and CCBRT Hospital, where they received the necessary medical care, including surgical repair, and support. The project’s efforts have had a significant impact on many women (161), helping them to reintegrate socially and economically into their communities and lead better quality lives.
Samuel’s work has not gone unnoticed, and his contribution has earned him recognition and respect from his community. With the help of Amref Fistula Project, Samuel has given many women hope where there was none. His invaluable work has changed the lives of countless women, and for that, he is a true hero.
Samuel Shaban’s dedication and compassion toward helping the women in his community prove that a little effort can go a long way. His work with the Amref Fistula Project has brought hope into the lives of many women, and it is an example of how partnerships can make a significant impact in healthcare. We appreciate and celebrate Samuel’s efforts, and we hope that his story inspires many others to do the same.
