Gbêkê: Phase III of the project against obstetric fistula in the spotlight

A joint mission visited the Gbêkê region to evaluate phase III of the obstetric fistula prevention and treatment project. This initiative, supported by the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), came to fruition on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 with a meeting at the UNFPA headquarters in Bouaké. Community stakeholders took part – local leaders, associations, NGOs, community radio stations – as well as the Ministry of Health, Public Hygiene and Universal Health Coverage. During this meeting, the new country director of KOICA in Côte d’Ivoire, Kim Sungjun, welcomed the significant progress in phase III, emphasizing the crucial role of community actors on the ground. The latter, thanks to awareness-raising actions, have made it possible to demystify this pathology once perceived as shameful. Now, many women, convinced that it is a treatable disease, no longer hesitate to seek free care offered by the project.

However, challenges persist. Patients, often destitute, struggle to reach health centers due to the inconvenience caused by the odors linked to their condition. These logistical constraints, combined with their economic precariousness, constitute a major obstacle to their access to care. Despite these difficulties, the ministry, UNFPA and community stakeholders unanimously pleaded with KOICA for an extension of the project beyond December 2024.

Kim Sungjun, moved by the testimonies and the impact of the project, expressed his satisfaction at having been able to closely observe the work accomplished. He recognized the encouraging results, notably the social reintegration of treated women. Sensitive to calls to continue this initiative, he assured: “When we have evaluated the project with UNFPA and the government, we will work together to consider new financing. »

The ball is now in the partners’ court to prolong this essential fight against a disease which destroys lives but which, thanks to this project