Fistula Screening

About 40 hopeful women lined up dockside the Africa Mercy for vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF) screening. Surgeons reviewed each case to see which women were good candidates for free onboard surgery. The surgery would repair damage caused during obstructed labour that resulted in a child being stillborn, and the woman becoming incontinent.

As the ladies arrived, they were escorted to the dockside tent, where there was singing and prayer while they waited their turn to be seen. They were then sent through the history and registration booth and brought onboard for an examination and a physical. Thirty seven women were scheduled for surgical repairs of their fistulas and a chance at a return to normal life.

Dr. Steve Arrowsmith, a urologist with more than 21 years of experience, has performed nearly 1000 VVF repairs. He explained, “VVF is a symptom of poverty that occurs where a national health care system has imploded from poverty and where women don’t have access to emergency services when they need them. The problem is common across sub-Saharan Africa. “

Elsewhere in the world, these women would have received a C section within 12-24 hours. But in Liberia and many other sub-Saharan countries, health care is unavailable.

Due to their fistulas, these women experienced years of suffering as they became ostracised from their husbands, families and society. Mercy Ships celebrates with each one who becomes ‘dry’ after their free onboard surgery.

Life in the ward is busy and filled with hope … as it should be.!