Uganda faces hidden health crisis as 200,000 women suffer from fistula
Women march during World Fistula Day commemorations on June 11, 2025 in Lira District. PHOTO/COURTESY
What you need to know:
- Uganda battles enduring burden of fistula among more than 200,000 women.
An estimated 200,000 women in Uganda are living with obstetric fistula, a devastating childbirth injury that continues to affect mainly teenage mothers, a top health official said during World Fistula Day commemorations on Wednesday.
“Currently, we estimate that over 200,000 women in Uganda are living with fistula. Each year, approximately 1,900 new cases are recorded, nearly the same number as those repaired annually, meaning the burden remains constant,” said Dr Charles Olaro, Director of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, who represented the Health Minister at the event in Lira District.
Obstetric fistula is an abnormal opening between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum, usually caused by prolonged, obstructed labor without timely medical intervention. It leads to uncontrollable leakage of urine or feces, often resulting in social isolation.
“Most of the affected girls are under 19 years. Teenage pregnancies are a major risk factor, and even those who survive childbirth often develop fistula,” Dr Olaro said.
He added: “Tragically, teenage pregnancies also account for about six percent of maternal deaths.”
Although Uganda has expanded access to free fistula repair in 33 health facilities nationwide, stigma and lack of awareness hinder women from seeking help.
“Fistula strips women of their dignity and often leads to domestic violence, abandonment, and depression. These women are excluded from society and need both physical and emotional support,” Dr Olaro added.
According to the 2022 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey, 25 percent of adolescent girls aged 15 to 19 have begun childbearing, highlighting the urgency of promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) to prevent new cases.
Ms Juliana Lunguzi, Sexual Reproductive Health Integration Officer and Programme Coordinator at UNFPA, said the UN agency continues to work with partners to strengthen prevention and treatment efforts.
“In Namayingo, where we have a project, we repaired nearly 115 fistula cases last year and provided social reintegration support to around 200 women,” Ms Lunguzi said. “Many are isolated by their communities. Our packages help them resume a dignified life and earn a livelihood.”
She added: “This condition usually affects young people. We are working to end early marriage, and our programs focus on delaying sexual activity and providing doctor and midwife training to prevent fistula during delivery.”
