Brenda Jackline Khaemba sheds tears of joy when she recalls the life, she has lived for the last three years. Jackline, a mother of three children, lost the meaning of life when it dawned on her she was suffering from fistula. “I got the fistula in 2020 while delivering my third-born child. At the time …Read More
Tag Archives: Beyond Zero
I am starting a new chapter. I have lived an embarrassing life.
Priscah Chepkosgei, 30, resonates well with the famous quote that, that which doesn’t kill you makes you strong. For the last 14 years, Priscah has been suffering from fistula – a reproductive health condition that results in the social degradation of women. “I became a fistula victim in 2009. At the time I was only …Read More
Dignity Restored
Celestine Likim Omuse, 53, is a happy woman after going through a successful fistula reconstructive surgery. Celestine, a mother of one has been indoors for the last six months. This is in contrast to her personality. In normal circumstances, Celestine is a jovial and outgoing woman. Celestine has been suffering from a fistula since October …Read More
I was sinking into depression
Betty Kagemi is a 26-year-old mother of two living in Magutueni, Tharaka Nithi. She sounds excited as we speak. She is just getting discharge from hospital where she successfully underwent corrective surgery for recto-vaginal fistula on 23rd May. Betty first developed fistula while delivering her first child in February 2020. She had prolonged labour. Her …Read More
I will empower women to seek treatment
Juliet Kaithani is a 75-year-old mother of seven living in Mugwe. She sounds a bit tired, and her speech is slightly slurred. She does not speak English or Swahili and we therefore need the assistance of a nurse to translate. Juliet developed fistula in 1988 when delivering her last child. She underwent a caesarean section …Read More
My self-esteem is improved
Stella Nyambura is a 37-year-old mother of three from Baringo. She travelled 222km, all the way to Tharaka Nithi hoping to get a solution to her problem. When I speak to her the joy and elation is clear in her voice. Having successfully delivered two children, Stella did not anticipate developing any complications. Like any …Read More
I travelled five-and-a-half-hour-long journey to receive free fistula treatment
Francisca Chepng’eno is a 39-year-old mother of two living in Bomet. She has a heavy accent that slightly strains our communication, but we push through. Francisca sounds a bit tired; she is still recovery from her surgery. Francisca first suffered fistula in 2002 during the delivery of her second child. She suffered prolonged labour and …Read More
My husband was very supportive, he stood by me
Jessica Muthee is a 33-year-old mother of two living in Mlolongo. She’s in high spirits while we conduct the interview. She was getting ready to be discharged from hospital and her excitement was obvious. She successfully received corrective surgery on 25th April 2022 and is happy with the results. Jessica first suffered fistula in September …Read More
I lived with fistula for 17 years
Taabu Kaingu is a 52-year-old mother of six living in Tezo, Kilifi County. She’s in high spirits but not too chatty while we conduct the interview. She successfully received corrective surgery on 28th March 2022 and is satisfied with the results so far. When a baby comes into the world, it is a joyous occasion. …Read More
I was told I was cursed and needed spiritual intervention
Jasmila Celina Kalama Charo is a 35-year-old lady residing in Malindi. Before speaking to her, I spoke to her caregiver who was very warm. When Jasmila comes to the phone, she sounds frail and tired but agrees to proceed with the interview. Hers is a special story. Jasmila lived a normal, fulfilling life until 2017 …Read More