Call for organized support for fistula patients

Mendefera, 08 July 2026- Health professionals, indicating the significant role that visiting and supporting fistula patients at the Fistula Treatment Center in Mendefera plays in boosting their morale and recovery, called for such initiatives to be conducted in an organized manner.

At a program organized by the National Union of Eritrean Women Board in Dekemhare sub-zone to visit and support fistula patients on 7 July, Dr. Abraham Amanuel, a maternity expert at the center, explained the causes and treatment of fistula, noting that the condition has physical, economic, and social impacts, and called for increased public participation in its prevention.

Dr. Abraham also said that the Ministry of Health is playing its part, from performing surgery to organizing academic and vocational training, with a view to providing physical and psychological support to the victims.

Dr. Habte Hailemelekot, a gynecology and maternity expert, noted that due to limited awareness and negligence, some pregnant women deliver at home, and as a result become exposed to various health complications, including fistula. He also called on pregnant women to seek pre- and post-natal treatment and give birth at health facilities.

Commending the support being provided to fistula patients, Ms. Nigisti Abraham, head of the National Union of Eritrean Women branch in Dekemhare sub-zone, and Ms. Sara Seium, secretary of the board of the union branch, handed over sanitary materials worth 100 thousand Nakfa.

Noting that it is easier to control the prevalence of fistula than to treat it, Dr. Amanuel Mihreteab, head of the Ministry of Health branch in the Southern Region, called on partner institutions to strengthen participation in the effort to eradicate harmful practices.

The beneficiaries, for their part, commended the health treatment they are receiving from the center, as well as the support extended by members of the National Union of Eritrean Women branch in Dekemhare sub-zone.