Mwanza Chiefs Briefed on Fistula to Boost Community Awareness
This year, Mwanza District Hospital has referred 11 fistula patients to Bwaila Hospital in Lilongwe for treatment.
MWANZA, Malawi — Traditional leaders in Mwanza District received a briefing on fistula Tuesday, aimed at improving community awareness about the condition, writes Brian Wasili, MANA.
Patrick Ganizani, Safe Motherhood Coordinator at Mwanza District Hospital, emphasized the importance of engaging chiefs in the fight against fistula.
"People we are targeting stay in the communities. The chiefs are in a better place to carry the message to their respective community members," Ganizani said.
The sensitization meeting provided information on signs, symptoms, and dangers of fistula, a non-communicable condition affecting women of childbearing age, often resulting from childbirth injuries.
Rhoda Golowa, a health worker at Mwanza District Hospital, praised the initiative, stating it equipped her with additional knowledge to encourage women to seek fistula testing.
Inkosi Kanduku Maseko, a traditional leader who attended the meeting, committed to sharing the information with his subjects.
"We are going to share the same information to our subjects and I am sure this will trickle down very well in our respective areas," Maseko said.
This year, Mwanza District Hospital has referred 11 fistula patients to Bwaila Hospital in Lilongwe for treatment.
The initiative aims to reduce silent suffering in communities by improving awareness and encouraging affected women to seek medical attention.