Tears of joy, radiant smiles, and heartfelt gratitude filled the air as survivors of obstetric fistula and their caregivers welcomed the Fistula Foundation to the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife.
It was a moment of profound emotion, as women who once lived in the shadows of pain and isolation now stood in the light of renewed hope and dignity.
The Fistula Foundation, represented by Lindsey Pollaczek, Vice President, and Esther Njoroge-Morithi, Chief Growth Officer, embarked on a facilitative supervisory visit to the Dame Adeyinka Obaleye Fistula Centre at Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa—a beacon of free fistula care in Nigeria.
Obstetric fistula, a childbirth-related injury caused by prolonged obstructed labour without timely medical intervention, leaves women incontinent, often leading to stigma, rejection, and unimaginable psychological trauma.
Nigeria bears a disproportionate burden of this condition, with thousands of women suffering in silence due to limited access to quality maternal healthcare.
OAUTHC has been performing fistula repairs since 2016, giving women a second chance at life. In 2018, the Obaleye family amplified this mission with a generous donation—a dedicated fistula care facility that now serves as a safe haven for survivors.
Recognizing the hospital’s commitment, in 2020, the Fistula Foundation, based in California, USA, stepped in with critical funding, ensuring that fistula repairs remain entirely free for women in need.
In the last seven years, 720 repairs have been carried out in the centre, and women have been restored to health and dignity through free surgeries at the centre in recent years.
On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, the OAUTHC Management formally received the Fistula Foundation delegation, expressing profound appreciation for their life-changing support.
The Chief Medical Director, Prof. John Okeniyi, praised the Foundation’s unwavering commitment, which has made free fistula repair a reality for countless women. Also present at the visit were the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Prof. Josephine Eniola Eziyi; the Director of Administration, Dr. Ayodeji Felix Bobade; the Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Prof. Akinwumi Komolafe; and the Head, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of the Hospital, Prof. Alexander Owolabi.
During a facility tour, Dr. Akintunde Fehintola shared harrowing yet triumphant stories of survivors whose lives have been changed. Among them was a woman who endured incontinence for 17 years, carrying the burden of shame and discomfort until she found healing at OAUTHC’s Fistula Centre.
Another patient, after multiple failed repairs, finally found lasting relief through the hospital’s dedicated care. These women, once cast aside by society, now stood beaming with joy as they met the very people who helped restore their lives.
Esther Njoroge Moriithi, the Growth Officer of the Fistula Foundation, commended all doctors and nurses in the centre for their dedication and resilience towards the success of the Center.
While the impact of free fistula repairs at OAUTHC has been profound, prevention remains key. Obstetric fistula is entirely preventable through access to skilled birth attendants, emergency obstetric care, and widespread awareness.
The journey to eradicating fistula in Nigeria requires concerted efforts. As we celebrate the milestones achieved in OAUTHC through its partners, we call upon everyone to join hands in ensuring that no woman suffers needlessly from obstetric fistula.
Together, we can build a future where every mother delivers safely and every woman lives with dignity.
