Fistula Foundation Surges Past 5,500 Surgeries for Women in DRC

Fistula Foundation has reported performing more than 5,500 life-changing surgeries to treat obstetric fistula in women across the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the past year. This figure exceeded initial expectations by 65% for the first year, placing the organization on track to meet its expanded two-year goal of over 11,000 repair surgeries.

The expanded program has enhanced access to care and bolstered local health systems through operations at 41 hospitals nationwide. Beyond surgical interventions, the initiative has trained 128 healthcare workers, including eight fistula surgeons and 120 nurses, thereby increasing the country's long-term capacity for treatment delivery. The project also aims to restore an estimated 45,801 healthy life years for the affected women.

Community outreach efforts have included 114 events, educating 2,300 individuals and disseminating information about fistula to over 127,000 people. Fistula Foundation has coordinated its work across 23 of the DRC's 26 provinces in collaboration with local health authorities and the Ministry of Health.

Obstetric fistula is a childbirth injury leading to incontinence, isolation, and social exclusion. Despite being treatable through surgery at an average cost of $624, an estimated 42,000 women in the DRC and up to one million across Africa and Asia lack access to care. Fistula Foundation is focused on expanding treatment availability and training local healthcare providers to reach every woman in need.