AMREF, KNH Launch the Annual VVF Medical Camp

The Kenyatta National Hospital in collaboration with the African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF) and the Freedom from Fistula Foundation launched the 8th Annual Vaginal Vesico Fistula (VVF) medical camp and awareness walk on Friday, June 28 at KNH, outside KNH’s Clinic 66.

The Camp was launched by the First Lady Her Excellency Mrs. Margaret Kenyatta. Present at the event was the AMREF Director General, Dr Tegeust Guerma; Country Director AMREF Kenya Dr Lennie Kyomuhangi: Government officials; Freedom From Fistula Foundation Director Lucy Mwangi; KNH Chief Executive Officer and KNH Board Chair, among other invited guests.

In her speech, the First Lady called upon individuals and corporate institutions to support the treatment of women affected by fistula. The First Lady cited Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) as the most common type of fistula in the country.

Emphasizing that the fistula condition remained one of the gravest dehumanizing conditions affecting the women, the First Lady stressed on the need to enhance the capacities of health systems to prevent, repair and support women with obstetric fistula.

"We recognize that women and families affected by this condition are deprived of their self esteem; it adversely affects their social development leading to withdrawal and depression due to discrimination and stigmatization by other members of society," she said.

She urged Kenyans to join hands and help the affected women restore their dignity, lift their spirits and bring joy back in their lives through treatment.

"We become better people when we look out for one another and we are blessed when we embrace the notion of being our brother's and sister's keeper," she said.

Mrs. Kenyatta later flagged off the fistula awareness walk, acknowledging this year's camp theme "Capacity building for VVF care in Kenya" which seeks to address the many challenges affecting women with the condition.

On their part, AMREF Kenya Country Director Dr Lennie Kyomuhangi, Director General Teguest Guerma and the Freedom from Fistula Foundation Director Lucy Mwangi thanked the Government for waiving maternity fees for pregnant women.

They said free maternal healthcare would enable more women to access healthcare services and therefore reduce the prevalence of fistula related diseases.