Bwindi Community Hospital Recognized as a Fistula Treatment Center by Ministry of Health

Dr Geissbuhler and the Uro-gyn fellows at Bwindi Community Hospital’s recent Surgical Camp. Bwindi Community Hospital has worked with Dr. Verena for the last 13 years.

"I know two women with the same problem I had. Once I go back home, I will alert them to seek medical care. I am very happy. I am feeling better," said 45-year-old Aceng from Alebtong district.

Aceng is one of the women who received life-transforming surgery and treatment during the vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgical repair camp held at Bwindi Community Hospital at the end of October 2024.

A total of 514 women were screened, 456 during the surgical outreaches and 58 during the surgical camp. From the women screened, 56 were operated during the week-long surgical camp.

Vesico-vaginal fistula is a gynecological condition that affects women. It is characterized by leaking of urine or stool, or both, through the vagina, leading to social stigma, infection, and other complications. Comparably, pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the tissue and muscles of the pelvic floor no longer support the pelvic organs, resulting in the drop (prolapse) of the pelvic organs from their normal position.

Over the last thirteen years, Bwindi Community Hospital has collaborated with Professor Verena Geissbuhler, a Senior Urogynecologist and Female Pelvic Floor Reconstruction Surgeon from Basel, Switzerland, to address the burden of those living with VVF, POP, and perineal tears. With support from the Else-Kroner-Stiftung Foundation, Prof. Geissbuhler and BCH extend free surgical repair services to women from all over the country.

Urogynecology fellows, general medical officers, and nurses have had the privilege to engage in surgeries and general care for a number of urogynecology conditions. The annual camp provides a great opportunity for sustainability of the program through capacity building.

For Aceng and many other women who have struggled with fistula conditions for a long time, the annual surgical camp is a place for the restoration of hope and dignity.

Aceng advises all women to give birth from the hospital. "Giving birth at home is too risky. Women should go to the hospitals. If they don't go to the hospitals, they will get fistula problems. No one should get fistula. Life becomes too hard," Aceng emphasized.

"The journey to Bwindi Community Hospital was too long. We traveled for two days. We even spent a night at the ferry. But, I am glad I came to Bwindi," said Angwech, a 40-year-old woman from Kole district. Angwech never expected to have surgery because she could not afford the hospital bill. Because of continuous pain, Angwech spent many years without being productive. "I had too much pain. I couldn't do any garden work anymore," she added.

Aceng and Angwech's life transformation tells the same stories for many women in rural Uganda who have no access to better obstetrics and gynecology services.

To Moses Akwi, the Camp mobilizer in Eastern and Northern Uganda, this camp is the real meaning of love: "The mothers know they have been loved by Dr. Verena. Every time we come to Bwindi, they have never disappointed us."

Reverend Elizabeth Akandinda, the Head of Administration at Bwindi Community Hospital, noted that this camp has a great multiplier effect because the 56 women will impact so many other people in their lives. Once you help a mother, you have helped the nation.

Bwindi Community Hospital was recognized as a national fistula treatment center in the National Fistula Status Report, 2024, by the Ministry of Health.