Sod cut for fistula facility at Yendi hospital

Qatar Charity Ghana, an international non-governmental organisation, has in partnership with the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), cut sod for the construction of a modern Fistula Holding Home at the Yendi Government Hospital. 

The facility, when completed, will serve as a specialised centre for the management and treatment of obstetric fistula, a major maternal health condition affecting women in the Northern Region.

Obstetric fistula is a severe medical condition that occurs when prolonged or obstructed labour causes a hole between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum, leading to continuous leakage of urine or faeces.

In addition to causing significant physical and emotional distress, fistula often results in social isolation for women affected by it.

At the sod cutting, an officer at the Yendi Government Hospital's Health Information Office, Ben Appaiagyai, underscored the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure the project's success and sustainability.

The Board Chairman of the Yendi Government Hospital, Alhaji Alhassan Sulemana Gonje, described the project as timely and essential, considering the increasing demand for specialised fistula care in the area.

He stated that the absence of such a facility had made the treatment of fistula a persistent challenge, affecting the dignity and well-being of women suffering from the condition.

Fistula impact

The Director of Family Health at the hospital, Dr Marion Okoh, shed light on the devastating impact of obstetric fistula on women and families.

She highlighted that many women affected by the condition suffered isolation and stigma due to uncontrollable leakage of urine or faeces. 

She emphasised the need for a safe space where women can receive medical care and psychosocial support to recover and reintegrate into society.

The Country Director of the Qatar Charity Ghana, Hasan Owda, expressed his organisation’s deep commitment to the project, saying that Qatar Charity was fully dedicated to supporting vulnerable populations with dignified healthcare solutions. He thanked all partners for the collaboration and pledged to ensure the project's successful completion.

The UNFPA Country Representative, Dr Wilfred Ochan, also appreciated the partnership and described the initiative as critical to UNFPA’s mission of improving maternal health.

He also acknowledged all the members of Partnership for Elimination of Fistula in Ghana (PEFIG) who continue to commit significant financial and other resources to this notable cause. 

Commitment

In his keynote address, the Northern Regional Minister, John Ali Adolf, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery in the region.

He commended Qatar Charity and UNFPA for their partnership and sacrifice, describing the project as a bold step toward ending fistula in the region.

He assured all partners of his office's full support to ensure the completion of the facility on time.

The initiative goes beyond just medical intervention. It aims to provide comprehensive care, including specialised treatment, psychological support and social reintegration programmes, empowering women to reclaim their lives.

The project has already demonstrated promising results, with 22 fistula repair surgeries performed at the Yendi Government Hospital and nine cases handled at the Tamale West Hospital in 2024.