Agnes's story of healing from fistula
- Bonnie Ruder
- May 23
- 2 min read
It’s been more than 20 years since the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) launched International Day to End Obstetric Fistula, declaring May 23 as a day to raise awareness about a devastating yet preventable childbirth injury.
Terrewode Women’s Community Hospital is a bright ray of hope in a world where fistula continues to shatter the lives of far too many women and girls.
More than 1,600 fistula survivors are leading healthier, happier, more empowered lives today because of the holistic and comprehensive care they received at Uganda’s first and only hospital focused solely on treating fistula and other childbirth injuries.
It’s my honor to share the story of one fistula survivor’s journey today. Her name is Agnes.
In the final days of her last pregnancy, Agnes lost all movement in one of her legs — a sign that nerves in her pelvic area were severely compressed. She labored at length with little progress at her nearby clinic. She could no longer walk by the time she was referred to a district hospital, where doctors discovered her uterus had ruptured. Her baby did not survive.
After returning home, Agnes realized she was leaking urine constantly. She had an obstetric fistula. Doctors at the district hospital told her about a facility in Soroti, where she could receive treatment at no cost. Her son and daughter took her to Terrewode Women’s Community Hospital later that day.
“When we reached Terrewode, I was warmly welcomed right from the reception. Food was served with a great smile. I feared to dirty the very comfortable white beddings, but caretakers assured me it was OK — that every patient uses them.” — Agnes
Agnes’ fistula was so fresh, she needed to wait six weeks for surgery and focus on physical therapy to restore movement to her paralyzed leg. A month and a half after her arrival, Agnes underwent surgery to repair her fistula.
“The day I felt like urinating, I considered that my miracle day."
In addition to the successful surgery, Agnes received counseling, education on safe motherhood, and took part in music, dance, and drama therapy through Terrewode’s renowned Reintegration Program.
Agnes now shares her story in public gatherings to raise awareness about fistula and other reproductive health issues, such as cervical cancer.
"I will be using my experience to help identify mothers with childbirth injuries and escort them for treatment to Terrewode Women's Community Hospital."
Learn more about Terrewode Women’s Community Hospital’s origin story.
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