In a strong effort to bring back dignity and restore hope to women suffering from obstetric fistula, health authorities in Ghana, with support from global partners, have rolled out a new initiative offering free surgeries in five major hospitals across the country.

This life-changing move is being led by the Partnership to End Fistula in Ghana (PEFIC) with major backing from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The main goal is to end obstetric fistula by 2030, giving women a second chance at life after suffering one of the most painful and isolating childbirth complications.

Which Hospitals Are Involved?

The free fistula repair surgeries are currently being offered at the following hospitals:

Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (Kumasi – Ashanti Region)

Ho Teaching Hospital (Volta Region)

Tamale West Hospital (Northern Region)

Mercy Women Catholic Hospital (Central Region)

Upper West Regional Hospital (Upper West Region)

The announcement was made during a special event on May 23, 2025, held at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital to mark the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula.

What Is Obstetric Fistula?

Obstetric fistula is a serious medical condition that often happens when a woman goes through prolonged or difficult labour without getting timely medical help. This pressure causes a hole between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum, making the woman leak urine or faeces uncontrollably.

It is not just a physical issue—it destroys lives. Most women who suffer from it:

Lose their babies during delivery

Are rejected by their husbands and families

Are shamed and pushed out of their communities

Struggle with depression and lose their confidence

End up living in silence and isolation

A Painful Story That Needs to Be Told

Speaking at the event, Dela Bright Gle, who works as a Reproductive Health Programme Specialist at UNFPA, said it was time to bring the fight against obstetric fistula out of conference halls and into communities.

“This year, we decided to take the conversation out of the conference rooms and into clinics and communities,” she said.
“We must face the stigma and break the silence surrounding this condition.”

She explained that the cost of treating one patient is about $700 (roughly GH¢10,000). This covers the woman’s transportation, surgery, hospital stay, and two weeks of recovery.

But Madam Gle stressed that this fight is not just about performing surgery:

“We must ensure each woman is transported safely, given a place to heal, and supported to rejoin her family and community.”

Progress in Kumasi

In Kumasi alone, about 50 women were screened at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, and 15 of them were selected for the free surgery. Sadly, 3 did not qualify, possibly due to medical complications that require further checks.

Ghana’s Effort Paying Off, But More Is Needed

Ghana has made some progress in maternal health. About 87-88% of births now happen in health facilities, which is very good. But obstetric fistula still exists, especially in rural areas where emergency care is hard to get.

Madam Gle encouraged more awareness creation so that women suffering from the condition will know help is available.

The Silent Pain Behind the Smiles

Dr Baffour Opoku, an obstetric fistula surgeon at KATH (Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital), also spoke at the event. He warned that beyond the physical pain, many women suffer from deep depression and mental health issues.

“Most women with this condition don’t talk about it. They’re too shy and feel ashamed,” he said.
“They leak urine or faeces without control. Some develop skin sores and rashes due to the irritation. The smell alone makes people run away from them.”

He added that most of the women live in loneliness, rejected even by their families. Their husbands may accuse them of infidelity, saying the condition is punishment from God for committing adultery.

But Dr Opoku strongly stated that these are myths and false beliefs. He encouraged families to be supportive and urged women to speak out and seek medical care.

Hope for a Better Tomorrow

For many women, this free surgery programme is the beginning of a new life. Women who were once hiding in shame now have a chance to walk proudly again, be with their families, go to church or market, and live without pain or embarrassment.

One survivor who received treatment in the past said:

“I thought I was going to die with this problem. My husband left me. Even my sister didn’t want me near her food. But now, after the surgery, I’m healed and happy. I can work and take care of myself again.”

What Can We All Do to Help?

Spread the Word – Tell women in your area about the free surgeries.

Stop the Stigma – Don’t mock or isolate anyone with this condition.

Support Survivors – Give them love, not judgement.

Push for More Resources – Ask leaders to invest in women’s health.

Encourage Antenatal Care – Early care prevents many birth complications.

Conclusion

Obstetric fistula is not just a medical issue—it is a human rights issue. No woman should suffer in silence, leak urine every day, or be cast away like trash simply because she gave birth.

Thanks to the UNFPA, PEFIC, and the Ghana Health Service, hope is returning to many women across the country. Ghana has taken a bold step forward, but we all have a role to play in ending this painful condition once and for all.

Let’s spread the message: Obstetric Fistula is curable, and every woman deserves a second chance.