Lucia’s Victory Over Obstetric Fistula

Lucia’s Victory Over Obstetric Fistula

Lucia Lazaro is a 60 years old woman from the Geita Region, she is a living testament to the power of hope and determination. For 19 years Lucia endured the pain of living with obstetric fistula. Her story is one of strength, perseverance, and ultimate transformation.

In 2005, Lucia’s life changed when she developed fistula during the delivery of her fourth child. “ When I was about to gibe birth,labor pains began early one morning, but reaching the hospital was difficult as I was visiting my home village in a remote area. For three long days, I endured the pain of labor without any medical help. On the fourth day, I reached the hospital, where I safely delivered my baby around 6 a.m”. Lucia explained.

“At first, everything seemed normal. She stayed in the hospital for three days, but on the fourth day, as I got out of bed, I noticed that the bed was wet.” she continued Alarmed, I informed the nurse, who explained that it was a childbirth-related complication and suggested inserting a urinary catheter. However I was very frightened and unsure, I refused the catheter and returned home, unaware of the difficulties I would face ahead”. Lucia explains sadly

Back home, Lucia discovered she could no longer control her urine flow. Determined to maintain her dignity, she used improvised pads to manage her condition. But things worsened when she became pregnant with her fifth child. During her fifth pregnancy, the leakage grew uncontrollably. “After delivering my fifth child, my condition became more severe, I would wear adult diapers so that I can participate in community activities.” said Lucia.

Despite the challenges, Lucia never gave up. She stayed actively involved in women’s development groups (VICOBA), drawing strength from her husband’s unwavering support. “Don’t lose hope,” he would encourage her. “One day, we will find a cure, and you will recover.” For years, Lucia endured in silence, hiding her condition from the world. Her neighbors noticed the smell of urine but thought it was due to the children in her home. The isolation was difficult, but Lucia kept going.

In 2024, Lucia’s long wait for relief finally came. While receiving treatment at Bugando Hospital, her son learned about free obstetric fistula treatment. Excited, he called his mother and told her, “Mama, I found the answer! Your condition can be treated, and the treatment is free!”.

At first, Lucia was skeptical. “Are you sure? Please confirm before I make the journey,” she replied. After confirming the information, Lucia hoped that her years of suffering might come to an end.

On March 15, 2024, Lucia traveled to Bugando Hospital with cautious optimism. She stayed there for three days before undergoing surgery on March 19. After two weeks of recovery, doctors gave her the incredible news: she was fully healed. “When the doctor told me I was healed, I couldn’t believe it,” Lucia said, her voice filled with joy. “For the first time in years, I felt free and hopeful for my future.”

When she returned home, Lucia’s transformation was apparent. Her neighbors, who had long wondered about the source of the smell, now listened in awe as she shared her story. “I used to live in shame, hiding from my community. Now I walk with confidence and dignity.”

Lucia has since become an advocate for fistula awareness in her community, encouraging other women to seek help. “I want every woman suffering in silence to know that there is hope, and treatment is possible.” Lucia gladly said.

Lucia is forever grateful to Amref Health Africa and other partners for restoring her health and confidence. “Amref Health Africa gave me back my smile and my life. I will forever be thankful to everyone who made this possible.”

A Husband’s Patience and Hope

Samson Machibula Shelembi, Lucia’s husband explains how patience is an important virtue as he says, “The issue of fistula has troubled my wife for many years, but through it all, I remained patient, believing that one day there would be a solution. Our journey began when Lucia developed fistula during her fourth childbirth in 2005. The condition brought immense hardship, not just for her, but for our entire family. As time passed, the issue only worsened, but I stayed committed to supporting her, The community questioned my decision to stay with Lucia, and some suggested I marry another woman. But I knew the condition wasn’t her fault. She gave me children, and we built a life together,” I would say. “How could I leave her now?” I believed Godwould provide a way for us, and eventually, He did.

In 2024, while in Mwanza seeking treatment for our son, We learned that fistula treatment was available and free of charge. The thought of finally resolving this issue after twenty years was overwhelming. When Lucia went to Mwanza, she informed me that she had arrived at the hospital. Although treatment hadn’t started, she was receiving free meals, and the treatment was free. I felt a wave of relief knowing we were finally on the path to healing.

Now Lucia has fully recovered, I feel immense relief and gratitude. I thank the organization and donors who made this treatment possible. Many families suffer from fistula, and many marriages break. But we persevered. I pray that God continues to bless our union and gives me the strength to stay by Lucia’s side for as long as He wills.

The Fistula project is funded by anonymous donors and is a partnership between Amref Health Africa UK, Amref Health Africa Tanzania, Magu Poverty Focus on Older People Rehabilitation Centre (MAPERECE), CCBRT, and Bugando Medical Centre (BMC). The project aims to reach all fistula victims in Mwanza and Geita regions. Shida’s story is a testament to the power of support and community, and a reminder that change is possible, even after years of hardship.