The CBC Health Services Obstetric Fistula Project has recorded a major milestone during its first-ever free Obstetric Fistula Treatment Campaign at Meskine Baptist Hospital, Maroua. Within just 6 days, 22 women successfully underwent fistula repair surgeries the highest number ever achieved by the project since its inception.
The one-week campaign took place from January 19 – 24, 2026, thanks to funding from Fistula Foundation. Surgeries were performed by the assiduous Dr. Ngock George, Fistula Repair Specialist and Clinical Supervisor of the project, assisted by Dr. Sinou Manuela, a gynaecologist at Meskine Baptist Hospital alongside a committed team of theatre staff.
According to the Project Coordinator, Ayenjika Yasemeratu, Maroua was selected due to the high prevalence of fistula cases in the Far North Region, largely linked to child marriage, home deliveries by traditional birth attendants and other cultural factors.
The women operated were aged 17 to 70 years, most of whom developed fistula during their first childbirth. Although 17 surgeries were initially planned, intensive community awareness led to 22 successful operations. Three others who came for the campaign could not be operated due to medical complications that require management before surgery.
The beneficiaries expressed deep gratitude to the CBC Health Services and Fistula Foundation for the free life changing surgeries and restoring their dignity after years of stigma, discrimination, and shame.
One beneficiary, Mama Felicité, who lived with fistula for nearly 48 years, described the surgery as the end of decades of suffering. “I developed fistula 5 years before President Paul Biya became President”. Abandoned by husband and family and forced into a life of isolation and hardship, she said, “I had lost my worth. Today, I cannot find words to express my joy”.
To ensure sustainability and reduce post-surgical complications, 21 healthcare workers from Meskine Baptist Hospital were trained in comprehensive post-operative fistula care, including wound management, physiotherapy, and therapeutic communication.
At the close of the campaign, Dr. Ngock George described the exercise as highly successful, noting that nearly 100% of the women achieved immediate urine and stool dryness following surgery.
Obstetric fistula is a childbirth injury caused by prolonged and obstructed labour without timely access to emergency obstetric care, leaving women with uncontrollable leakage of urine and/or stool.
