Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba-Midlands Bureau Chief
DESPERATE for healing after nearly 20 years of silence and isolation, Esther Maxaba (68) travelled all the way from Chipinge, Manicaland Province, to Gweru after her relatives saw a public notice on the scheduled obstetric fistula repair surgery camp and assisted her with bus fare.
The condition, which she developed after a prolonged labour 20 years ago, had left her with uncontrollable leakage of urine — a debilitating medical problem that forced her to withdraw from community life.
But today, Gogo Maxaba is beginning a new chapter after undergoing a successful fistula repair operation at Gweru Provincial Hospital through a free surgical programme run by the Ministry of Health and Child Care, with support from United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Artemedis International.
An obstetric fistula is a hole that forms between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum after prolonged, obstructed labour without timely medical care. The condition causes chronic leaking of urine or stool, often accompanied by a strong odour that leads to stigma and social isolation.
For Gogo Maxaba, the ordeal began when she was forced into an arranged marriage as a teenager. “I was extremely young when I was told that my schooling days were over and marriage awaited me. I tried to resist, even attempting to run away, but it was impossible,” she recalled.
Before long, she was pregnant. During labour, complications arose. “In my community, many people rely on prayer camps and traditional beliefs. I was at a church gathering when I went into labour and it lasted for a long time,” she said.
The baby did not survive and the prolonged labour caused the devastating birth injury.
“The child died and I developed this condition. My husband eventually left because no one could tolerate living with someone who could not control her bladder,” she said.
For years, she lived as a recluse, avoiding gatherings because of the condition and embarrassment that accompanied it. Only her siblings stood by her during the difficult period.
Her life changed when she heard about the Government’s fistula repair programme. “This operation means everything to me. I have lived with this injury for too long and now I am looking forward to going back home and living normally again,” she said.
Gogo Maxaba was among 29 women who underwent repair surgery during a fistula camp held at Gweru Provincial Hospital.
Coordinator of the in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dr Chipo Chimamise, said the initiative has restored dignity to hundreds of women across Zimbabwe since its launch in 2015.
“The programme has provided free surgical repairs to women, many of whom were married off at a tender age and suffered prolonged labour due to lack of access to proper maternity care,” she said.
Dr Chimamise explained that an obstetric fistula is a hole that occurs between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum, causing uncontrollable leakage of urine and faeces.
“Fistula is a devastating condition that affects not only the physical health but also the social and emotional well-being of women. It is often a result of prolonged labour, which can be prevented with proper medical care,” she said.
Dr Chimamise said the condition is largely caused by prolonged labour, often worsened by lack of access to proper maternity services in remote areas.
“Unfortunately, many women in Zimbabwe, particularly those in hard-to-reach areas, are forced to deliver at home or in church shrines, increasing their risk of developing fistula,” she said.
Dr Chimamise noted that about half of fistula cases in Zimbabwe involve adolescent girls, many of whom are victims of early marriage or sexual abuse.
Because the pelvis of young girls is not yet fully developed, they are more vulnerable to obstructed labour — a situation that can lead to tissue damage and the formation of a fistula.
Dr Chimamise said the repair surgery, which costs between US$800 and US$3 000 in private institutions, is now offered free under the Government programme with support from development partners.
“The success rate is around 90 percent and many women are able to regain their dignity and reintegrate into their communities,” she said.
The programme has been rolled out in several centres across the country, including Chinhoyi, Masvingo and Bulawayo, with Gweru being among the latest facilities to host repair camps.
Authorities hope that in future the service will be available in all public health institutions.
“We want to ensure that no woman continues to suffer in silence from a condition that is treatable,” said Dr Chimamise.
Women experiencing symptoms of obstetric fistula are encouraged to contact the Ministry of Health and Child Care through the toll-free number 0808 0231 for assistance.
