The Movie night was a tremendous success!  Owit took the opportunity to raise funds for women with fistula in partnership with Standard Chartered Bank and Flying Doctors Society of East Africa.  Owit raised a total of Kshs 300,000/- we thank everyone who was involved in this fundraiser.  See article below on VVF. Kudos to the Owit board for making September 11th 2009 a night to remember.

• Tanya Nduati of the Flying Doctors Society of East Africa,
• Sonam Reel and Wamaitha Mungai of Standard Chartered Bank
• Dr Qureshi of VVF
• Mrs Kiereini – Chairperson Flying Doctors Society

What is VesicoVaginal Fistula?
Obstetric fistula (or vaginal fistula) is a severe medical condition in which a fistula (hole) develops between either the rectum and vagina or between the bladder and vagina  after severe or failed childbirth, when adequate medical care is not available.

How does fistula occur?
During prolonged labor, the soft tissues of the pelvis are compressed between the descending baby’s head and the mother’s pelvic bone. The lack of blood flow causes tissue to die, creating a hole between the mother’s vagina and bladder (known as a vesicovaginal fistula), or between the vagina and rectum (causing a rectovaginal fistula) or both. The result is a leaking of urine or faeces or both.

Why does it occur?
Fistula occurs when emergency obstetric care is not available to women who develop complications during childbirth. This is why women living in remote rural areas with little access to medical care are at risk.
Poverty, malnutrition, poor health services, early childbearing and gender discrimination are interlinked root causes of obstetric fistula. Poverty is the main social risk factor because it is associated with early marriage and malnutrition and because poverty reduces a woman’s chances of getting timely obstetric care. Because of their low status in many communities, women often lack the power to choose when to start bearing children or where to give birth. Childbearing before the pelvis is fully developed, as well as malnutrition, small stature and general poor health, are contributing physiological factors to obstructed labour. Older women who have delivered many children are at risk as well.

Why do so few people know about fistula?
Fistula is a relatively hidden problem, largely because it affects the most marginalized members of society: young, poor, illiterate women in remote areas. Many never present themselves for treatment. Because they often suffer alone, their terrible injuries may be ignored or misunderstood. The Campaign to End Fistula is working to break the silence around this condition and the stigma attached to it.

What are the medical consequences of fistula?
Left untreated, fistula can lead to frequent ulcerations and infections, kidney disease and even death. Some women drink as little as possible to avoid leakage and become dehydrated. Damage to the nerves in the legs leaves some women with fistula unable to walk, and after treatment they may need extensive physical rehabilitation. These medical consequences, coupled with social and economic problems, often contribute to a general decline in health and well being that results in early death. Some commit suicide. However, many women with fistula are strong - as demonstrated by their having survived prolonged, traumatic labour - and they can live a long time. Some women have lived with the condition for 40 years or more!