International Group Back in Zimbabwe for Fistula Surgeries
Priscilla Mabhande said the program is open to all girls and women as long as they call and are in need of help.
WASHINGTON — The Women and Health Alliance International, the University of Zimbabwe and Harare Hospital on Monday returned to Harare for their fourth fistula operation campaign seeking to assist women living with the curable condition. The campaign is seeking to provide surgeries to several women this week and remains open for more cases that need urgent attention. The surgeries, which started Monday are expected to end Friday with women operated on remaining in Harare for at least 2 to 3 week for recovery. The program has, during its past campaign, assisted dozens of women, some of them living with the obstetric fistula for over 20 years. An obstetric fistula is a serious internal organ injury sustained during child birth, leaving women with urinary and other internal scars. National coordinator of the outreach program with Women and Health Alliance International, Priscilla Mabhande, said the program is open to all girls and women as long as they call and are in need of help. “We will speak with them and verify whether or not it is a ‘VVF’ or ‘RVF,’ this is the fistula type, and if it is we will pay for them to come through to Harare, so we do not encourage anybody to travel without speaking to us first,” said Mabhande. Through the program, prospective patients are provided with free surgery, transportation, board and lodging. The program will run for one week and those Zimbabweans in need of assistance are encouraged to contact the organization through their Zimbabwe numbers and Whatsapp on 263-782-640-840. You can also call, beep or request a call back using 263-779-626-506.