The Fistula Hospital, A Taste of Heaven

Fistula Hospital

I had the privilege of visiting the famous Fistula Hospital here in Addis Ababa in early March. Most the women with fistulas are from rural Ethiopia. I won’t go into great detail, but giving birth with inadequate or no health care service or at too young an age causes a fistula. It is very common in countries like Ethiopia. There are 1500 midwives for 77 million people and all of them are in Addis. Many of the women at the hospital are very young. They were married of in their teenage years and their bodies were not developed enough to give birth. They then leak urine and are rejected by their husband and family. 93% have psych problems because of this.

The hospital, however, is a picture of heaven. The women come despised, rejected, and dirty. They have surgery to repair the physical damage done, and have other women around who have similar problems emotionally. Others receive physical therapy because they have been in so much pain that they remain in the fetal position for months. After receiving medical and emotionally attention, leave as a new person with confidence and with a new dress given by the staff. The tour I had was very informative and touched me.