Kimpese, October 7th, 2026 (CPA).- A campaign providing free surgical treatment to women suffering from obstetric fistula has been underway since October 1st at IME/Kimpese General Referral Hospital, in Songololo Territory, Kongo Central Province, southwestern Democratic Republic of Congo, CPA observed Wednesday.
“We are providing free treatment to women suffering from urinary or fecal incontinence following a difficult delivery.
Twenty-five women have already received care since the campaign began on October 1st, and it will continue until October 10th,” said Dr Lucien Wasinya Kasereka, Director of Fistula Program DRC (FisPro DRC). Obstetric fistula is an abnormal connection between the vagina and the bladder and/or rectum, generally caused by a difficult delivery or prolonged labor, it was explained.
It results in permanent or uncontrolled leakage of urine and/or stool and can have serious health and social consequences for women affected by the condition. “The major challenge remains raising awareness at the community level.
Some people are unaware of this disease and associate it with witchcraft. Women are then stigmatized, isolated and rejected,” he explained, calling on communities to refer people showing these symptoms to health facilities.
As part of the campaign, patients are also receiving social support, including assistance with food and reimbursement of transportation costs, to facilitate access to healthcare and their stay during the treatment period.
The campaign is financially supported by the Fistula Foundation and receives technical assistance from several partners, including the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) and Direct Relief, according to the organizers.
FisPro DRC, which has been operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo since 2020, says its vision is to help restore the dignity of women affected by obstetric fistula.
For the organizers, the campaign also provides an opportunity to raise public awareness that obstetric fistula can be treated and to reduce stigma. They are therefore calling on affected women and their families to approach health facilities for appropriate assessment and care. ACP/