Sahara is 28 years old and from the Legehida Woreda (district) in the Fiq Zone of Ethiopia. Sahara had already given birth safely to her first child, but everything changed during her second delivery. Here she tells her story in her own words.

“When labour started at home in our rural village, it lasted for three agonising days and nights. My family took me from our village to Fiq Hospital, where the doctors performed a C-section to deliver the baby.

“Tragically, despite everything, I already lost my child. Losing a baby is a pain so heavy to carry, but I have tried my best to accept whatever Allah brings into my life.

“After the surgery, a catheter was inserted. When the tube was finally removed, I realised I could no longer control my urine. I was so depressed and very sad to find out about this condition.”

“It became very difficult to move around or be near other people. I had to stop participating in religious gatherings entirely because I couldn’t stand for long periods without leaking. I felt embarrassed when people saw me, fearing that they would notice my condition.”

“The embarrassment made me think of options for treatment. I went back to Fiq Hospital, the hospital team sent me to Jijiga town, and from Jijiga, I was brought here for treatment.

“The local health centre back home is actually not far from my house, just a few hours walk. But during my pregnancy, the physical toll and exhaustion made it too difficult for me to move around, so I never went for regular check-ups. I was only taken there once labour had already begun. From there, they told me I couldn’t give birth at the centre, so an ambulance transferred me to the hospital.

“Since coming here (Harar Hamlin Fistula Hospital), I have received dedicated care. We are provided with food, a place to rest, and washing facilities. Because of the surgical wound, I still experience pain. The staff gives us medicine whenever we need it and understood our pain and sufferings. I understood that some of them were experiencing the pain before. Exactly one week ago today, I had my surgery. My bed has stayed completely dry ever since, with the urine draining properly through the catheter. I hope that I will be completely dry and live a healthy life like women in my neighbourhood. 

“I feel so happy now, and I have real hope that I am going to heal completely. I am deeply grateful to the entire hospital staff, from the doctors to everyone who cares for us.

“I have decided that I will not return to my home village for a long time, perhaps even for years. Our region is extremely far, requiring five separate vehicle transfers along rough, unpaved roads that shake and jolt you constantly. If I hurry back over those bumpy roads now, I worry the leakage might return. Instead, I plan to stay in Jijiga town with fellow Somalis who can host me, allowing me to focus on taking care of myself until I am fully healed and ready to go back.”