Mefituha is from Boke in the West Harar Zone of the Oromia Region of Ethiopia. Here she tells her story in her own words.

“When I was 15, I married out of my own choice. Six months into our marriage, I became pregnant for the first time. Early in my pregnancy, I went to the hospital once when I felt sick, and the staff told me to return for monthly check-ups. However, I didn’t go back.

“When it came time to deliver, my labour lasted for four painful days at home. Our house is only a 30-minute walk from the local health centre, so we walked there with my family. From the health centre, I was referred to Bedesa Hospital, where I had to deliver my baby through a C-section. Tragically, my first baby passed away.

“After the surgery, I realised I was leaking urine continuously. When I first noticed it, I was completely heartbroken and cried endlessly.

I was terrified, believing I was the only person on earth facing such a terrible condition. I thought life wasn’t worth living with this condition.

“The leaking, the smell, and the constant embarrassment made me feel completely undermined, unwanted and utterly alone.

“Even though my husband was supportive and stayed by my side when the condition started, I chose to stay at my mother’s house instead of returning home.

“Eventually, hope returned when I learned about the treatment at this hospital (Harar Hamlin Fistula Hospital). To me, it sounded like nothing short of a miracle, a moment I had prayed for so long. Though the journey was long and we had to wait endlessly for transportation, my heart was full of excitement as we finally made our way to the center.

I was extremely anxious during the journey, but the moment I arrived and saw other women suffering from the same condition, and heard the staff assure me that I would recover, my mind was completely put at ease.

“Upon arrival, the medical team tested my blood and found that I was severely anaemic. I was weak, and my leg was hurting terribly from the prolonged labour. Since being here, I have received wonderful care. They give me eggs every day, medication for my anaemia, and physical therapy every morning. Because of my leg pain, the staff also helps change my clothes regularly.

“The doctors and the staff at the hospital reassured me, explaining that this was a condition called fistula and that it could be cured. This gave me my first sense of comfort after the initial shock.

“I am so deeply happy to be here. I thank God from the bottom of my heart, and I pray that Allah grants the staff the highest rewards for everything they do for me and other women.”