The life-altering ordeal of obstetric fistula has been a shared reality for Chaviana Mussa, a resident of Monapo district, in Nampula province, Mozambique. After going through a difficult delivery, she was diagnosed and faced a long, agonizing battle for a cure.
It is estimated that 500,000 women live with obstetric fistula globally; in Mozambique, there are an estimated 2,500 new cases every year.
Fistula is a devastating childbirth injury that often imposes a debilitating and isolating condition on women, including in her community. That was the case with Chaviana. She endured three years of medical problems that even forced her to drop out of school.
Her situation began to change when she found out that high-quality, free treatment was available close to where she lives, dispelling the myth that the cure was too far or too costly. During an appointment in search of alleviating her situation, Chaviana was strongly encouraged by a nurse to go to the hospital and seek a referral to specialized care.
Finding a Path to Healing
The information was available because the nurse was trained as part of the project “My Decision, My Future”, funded by the Government of Finland and implemented in Nampula with the support of UNFPA. The programme ensures the availability of expert medical care that restores women’s health, dignity, and dreams.
Chaviana was one of approximately 25 women who received life-changing surgery available as part of the project last year. She affirmed that all treatment was no cost, emphasizing that women do not need to worry about money to access this cure.
“Obstetric fistula is not only a health problem, it is a condition that can isolate women and girls from their families, education, and other opportunities. Meeting survivors and hearing their stories is a powerful reminder that every woman deserves access to timely, quality maternal health care and specialized treatment without barriers. With the right support, healing, hope, and a new future are possible,” shared Ms. Nélida Rodrigues, UNFPA Representative in Mozambique.
Restored health has opened a new future for her. Now free from the injury, Chaviana insists that women should "gain courage" and believe that the injury has a cure. She also plans to return to school to finish her studies.
Her successful recovery is a powerful testament to the UNFPA "My Decision, My Future" project, demonstrating how timely, compassionate, and financially accessible medical intervention can mend not only bodies but also lives, restoring hope and opportunity across Mozambique.
This story reiterates the importance of pregnant women having access to timely and quality maternal health care, including timely and adequate service for safe and secure delivery of their babies.
