Location: Eldoret
Gynocare Fistula Center, a nongovernmental organization in western Kenya, is dedicated to preventing and treating obstetric fistula. Started as an outpatient clinic in 2009, Gynocare Center expanded its services to provide fistula repair surgery in June 2011, with support from Direct Relief. Just in the first four months of offering surgical fistula repair, Gynocare improved the lives of 55 women who had been suffering with this condition.
Under the leadership of the dynamic and dedicated Dr. Hillary Mabeya, a fistula surgeon since 2003, Gynocare Center emphasizes a holistic approach to addressing fistula prevention, treatment, and recovery, including the woman’s reintegration into her community.
“I was operating the other day and a 55-year-old lady told me that now she can visit her daughter’s home to see her grandchildren because she is not ashamed anymore,” Dr. Mabeya reported. “Another young caretaker of a school told me that she can now reclaim her husband and her job after receiving the operation. These words of the two ladies make me work harder toward a fistula-free society.”
The center places a strong focus on outreach and advocacy to sensitize the community about obstetric fistula and to ensure that more women who need surgery can receive it free of charge at Gynocare Center. Leading the outreach efforts is Sarah Omega, a fistula survivor who received successful reconstructive surgery from Dr. Mabeya in June 2007, ending her 12 years of suffering with the condition. Sarah is a strong advocate for obstetric fistula prevention and repair, rallying support for better reproductive health services and access to treatment for women living with this condition.
Direct Relief was introduced to Gynocare and its exceptional work through partnership with One by One, a Seattle, Washington–based foundation dedicated to eliminating obstetric fistula. After the introduction, Direct Relief immediately provided $25,000 worth of specifically requested medicines and surgical supplies to help Gynocare jumpstart its surgical services. “I am most grateful for the kind donation and this will most be useful as we start fistula surgeries and care of fistula patients,” said Dr. Mabeya when the material was received. “The donation has come at the right time when we are embarking on starting surgeries.”
Gynocare’s mandate is to be an exceptional center for quality and accessible reproductive health services. Direct Relief is privileged to partner with Dr. Mabeya and the exceptional staff of Gynocare Center in its efforts to restore health and hope to women living with obstetric fistula.