West Pokot county government has rolled out a comprehensive fistula outreach programme aimed at restoring dignity, health and hope to women and girls living with obstetric fistula across the county and neighbouring areas.
During the campaign launch, Governor Simon Kachapin described the initiative as a powerful show of compassion and partnership, bringing together the Flying Doctors Society of Africa, M-Pesa Foundation, Royal Media Services and the county government.
“This campaign is about restoring dignity, improving health, and giving women and girls affected by fistula a second chance at life. It reflects our shared commitment to maternal health, social inclusion, and Universal Health Coverage,” the governor said.
According to Dr Anthony Wanjala, an obstetrician-gynecologist, obstetric fistula is a preventable and treatable condition, yet many women continue to suffer in silence due to stigma, lack of awareness and limited access to specialised care.
Wanjala noted that the programme seeks to change this reality by taking services closer to the people and encouraging affected women to seek help.
“Too many women have endured this condition quietly for years. We want them to know that help is available, and they are not alone,” Wanjala added.
Ahead of the clinical outreach, the county undertook extensive community sensitisation efforts across all subcounties. The advocacy drive was led by Community Health Promoters and Community Health Assistants, working closely with local leaders and health facilities.
The county has partnered with community radio stations to spread awareness and encourage women to come forward for screening. According to the governor, the approach has already yielded positive results.
“These efforts have significantly improved awareness and increased the uptake of fistula screening services,” Kachapin said.
He announced that capacity building for healthcare workers has been successfully completed, equipping CHAs and CHPs with skills to identify fistula cases early, provide accurate information and offer psychosocial support.
“This training ensures that fistula prevention and follow-up care will continue even beyond this campaign,” he noted.
Fistula screening officially began this week, led jointly by expert teams from the Flying Doctors and the county department of health and sanitation. The outreach is being conducted across various locations, including Kabichbich, Sigor, Alale, Ortum, Kacheliba, Chepareria, Turkwel, Chepnyal, Kasei, Lomut and Kapenguria hospitals.
Women identified as eligible will be referred for further treatment and surgical care.
The main surgical camp will run from February 9 to 13 at Kapenguria County Referral Hospital. Specialised fistula surgeons from the Flying Doctors will lead the procedures, working alongside the county clinical team under the leadership of Dr Wanjala.
Services will include surgical repair, pre- and post-operative care, counselling and reintegration support to help patients return to normal life.
From February 11, the programme will also host a visit by campaign sponsors, including representatives from the M-Pesa Foundation and the Flying Doctors, who will review progress and visit patients during their recovery.
Kachapin thanked all partners, healthcare workers and community teams involved in making the campaign possible.
“This initiative shows what partnership, compassion, and purposeful leadership can achieve. As a county, we are committed to ensuring that no woman is left behind,” he said.
He urged communities, leaders and families to support affected women and promote safe maternal health practices. “Together, we are restoring dignity. Together, we are healing lives,” the governor said.
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