Ghana scales up fight against obstetric fistula with free surgeries in five hospitals

Ghana has launched a nationwide initiative to help women with obstetric fistula. This program offers free surgeries at five major hospitals.

The Partnership to End Fistula in Ghana (PEFIC) leads this initiative. Its goal is to eliminate this debilitating childbirth condition. The program provides care and support for survivors.

The hospitals offering free repairs are:
- Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (Kumasi)
- Ho Teaching Hospital (Volta Region)
- Tamale West Hospital (Northern Region)
- Mercy Women Catholic Hospital (Central Region)
- Upper West Regional Hospital

Dr. Wilfred Ochan, from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), announced the initiative on May 23. This event marked the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula. Dr. Ochan emphasized the need to address stigma faced by survivors.

Obstetric fistula occurs due to prolonged or obstructed labor. It creates a hole between the birth canal and bladder or rectum, causing uncontrollable leakage of urine or feces. Affected women often face severe psychological and social rejection.

Many lose their babies, are abandoned by spouses, and excluded from social activities.

Restoring Hope, One Surgery at a Time

PEFIC officially launched in December 2023 by former First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo. It has grown from seven founding partners to 18 institutions.

These partners include ministries, health facilities, international organizations like WHO and WFP, and private companies such as Fidelity Bank and Access Bank.

Non-governmental organizations like Qatar Charity and MCAM also contribute significantly. Qatar Charity is building a shelter for patients in Yendi for recovery and reintegration.

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection is constructing a new surgical theater in Tamale. This will help meet increased demand for repairs in the Northern Region.

The estimated cost per patient is around $700. This covers transportation, surgery, and two weeks of recovery care.

While Ghana Health Service provides clinical staff and infrastructure, other partners assist with logistics and public education.

“It’s not just about performing surgery,” Dr. Ochan noted. “We must ensure each woman is transported safely.”

From Donor Dependency to National Ownership

What started with $60,000 in donor support has become a national campaign. Ghana's move toward self-sufficiency offers hope for countries facing similar maternal health issues.

Skilled delivery care now covers 87-88% of births in health facilities. However, challenges remain as Ghana's maternal mortality rate stands at approximately 310 deaths per 100,000 live births.

For every death, about 20 women suffer serious complications that are often preventable.

How to Access Free Surgery

Women needing fistula repair can contact these hospitals:

- Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (Kumasi): 057 020 2800
- Ho Teaching Hospital (Volta Region): 027 939 0179
- Tamale West Hospital (Northern Region): 027 701 3270
- Mercy Women Catholic Hospital (Central Region): 027 523 2127
- Upper West Regional Hospital: 055 849 6307

A Future Free of Fistula

With this campaign, Ghana aims not only to treat but also restore dignity for women. “We’ve moved from dependency to sustainability,” said Dr. Ochan.

As Ghana works towards eradicating obstetric fistula by 2030, collaboration among various sectors marks a hopeful turning point for thousands of women’s lives.