By Ivan Mugisha
A three-day free surgical camp at Uganda Martyrs Hospital Ibanda has restored hope and dignity to at least 21 women who had lived with painful birth-related injuries for years.
The camp, supported by African Mission Healthcare in partnership with the hospital, targeted women suffering from conditions such as obstetric fistula and severe perineal tears, which often go untreated due to stigma and embarrassment.
Dr. Jjuko Mark, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Uganda Martyrs Hospital and coordinator of the camp, said many women continue to suffer in silence due to fear of exposing conditions affecting their private parts. He noted that severe perineal tears were among the most common conditions treated.
Health experts estimate that obstetric fistula affects about 1% to 2% of women of reproductive age in Uganda, with between 140,000 and 200,000 women believed to be living with the condition, and around 1,900 new cases reported annually.
They also note that severe perineal tears occur in 6% to 36.5% of vaginal deliveries, though many cases remain undiagnosed.
Health workers urged women to seek early treatment and called for increased awareness to reduce stigma surrounding reproductive health conditions.
