Overcoming obstetric fistula with support from Amref Health Africa Tanzania
Wednesday, 16 August, 2023
Masumbuko James Kazungu was a proud father of two beautiful daughters. He lives in a small village in Tanzania with his wife Scholastica, who was his partner in everything he did, he always supported his wife, Scholastica, through thick and thin. Masumbuko was a hard-working man, and his wife was the backbone of their family, taking care of their children and managing their homes.
However, things took a drastic shift when Scholastica gave birth to their second daughter. Scholastica started experiencing leaking urine and feces uncontrollably. She felt ashamed and didn’t know what was wrong with her, She suffered from a condition known as obstetric fistula, which is a medical condition that occurs after childbirth complications. Scholastica was in great pain and discomfort, and Masumbuko was heartbroken to see his wife in such agony. He didn’t know much about obstetric fistula, but he knew that he had to do everything in his power to help Scholastica, Masumbuko loved his wife deeply and wanted to do everything he could to help her get better. Masumbuko tried to search for medical treatment for his wife, but he could not find anything that could ease her pain. He used every penny they had from their savings, and sold his livestock and all their agricultural harvest, but they were still unable to treat Scholastica’s condition
It was then when a fistula ambassador reached out to him and told him about the Amref Fistula project, a partnership project between Amref Health Africa UK, Amref Health Africa Tanzania, MAPERECE, and Bugando Medical Centre(BMC). The program supported women who suffered from obstetric fistula, offering them medical treatment, psychosocial support, entrepreneurship training, and reintegrating back into society.
Masumbuko was skeptical at first, but he decided to give it a chance. He took Scholastica to the BMC, where she received medical treatment for her obstetric fistula. During her recovery, Scholastica participated in entrepreneurship training conducted by the Amref Fistula project through, which she learned various skills, including sheep keeping, which she decided to pursue as a business when she returned home. She was later supported and given starter sheep by the Amref Fistula project.
With the support of her family, Scholastica started her sheep-keeping business, using the skills she had learned. She was able to generate decent profits, which helped her to pay for her daughter’s school fees, the family’s basic needs, and her medical expenses. With time, Scholastica’s business grew, and she became a self-reliant woman.
Through the Amref Fistula project, Scholastica regained her self-esteem, her dignity, and her position in society. She was no longer seen as a burden or an outcast but rather as a successful businesswoman and a role model to other women in her village.
Masumbuko was filled with pride, seeing his wife as strong, confident, and independent. Scholastica was the pillar of their family, and her positivity and resilience had rubbed off on everyone around her. Masumbuko and his family were grateful to the Amref Fistula project for the help they received, which had transformed their lives for the better.
