Anastasia Majasho’s journey with obstetric fistula began tragically during her second pregnancy in Tanzania. After a complicated labor resulted in the loss of her baby, she found herself leaking urine uncontrollably. Despite initial confusion and lack of support from local healthcare providers, a glimmer of hope emerged when she learned about Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation Tanzania (CCBRT), a hospital specializing in fistula repair surgery.
At 29 years old, Anastasia made the journey to Dar es Salaam, where she underwent successful surgery at CCBRT. Her story now serves as a beacon of hope for countless women silently suffering from fistula. This devastating childbirth injury affects millions of women in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, leaving them unable to control their bladder and bowels. Surgery is the only cure for this condition caused by prolonged, obstructed labor.
CCBRT, founded in 1994, is dedicated to improving healthcare for people with disabilities and those needing rehabilitation services. Under the leadership of CEO Brenda Msangi, the organization has become a leading provider of disability and rehabilitation services in Tanzania. Msangi emphasizes that safe childbirth is a right, not a privilege, and works tirelessly to ensure all mothers-to-be receive compassionate care, regardless of ability.
Challenges such as myths, cultural stigma, financial limitations, and lack of decision-making power prevent women from seeking help for fistula. CCBRT addresses these challenges through education, community outreach, and free surgery and transportation assistance. Msangi highlights the importance of prevention through improved maternal healthcare services and resource mobilization to reach more women in need.
Beyond hospital care, CCBRT’s Mabinti Centre offers fistula survivors in Tanzania a pathway to reclaim their lives through skills training and entrepreneurship. Graduates receive business starter kits to support themselves and their families, creating a ripple effect that allows CCBRT to identify and treat more women suffering from fistula.
The global effort to end fistula, led by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), aims to prevent, treat, and reintegrate survivors into society. The Global Campaign to End Fistula operates in 55 countries, advocating for change and promoting human rights principles. International Day to End Obstetric Fistula on May 23 raises awareness and support for the goal of eliminating fistula by 2030.
Anastasia Majasho’s story, along with the work of CCBRT and global initiatives like the UNFPA’s campaign, highlights the importance of raising awareness, providing comprehensive treatment, and advocating for change to end the silent suffering of women affected by obstetric fistula.