Iceland and UNFPA fund fistula Surgeries for Women in Sierra Leone

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Government of Iceland began obstetric fistula repair surgeries at Makeni Regional Hospital in Sierra Leone.

The initiative operates under the National Obstetric Fistula Surgery Camp to provide medical treatment and support to women suffering from the condition. The Government of Iceland provided the funding for theatre renovations and medical equipment, while UNFPA provided technical and programme support.

The surgery program will expand to Bo Government Hospital to provide additional procedures for another 10 to 15 women. Since 2022, the collaboration between Iceland and UNFPA has supported approximately 545 fistula repair surgeries across the country. The partnership also screened 1,936 women for suspected cases and provided psychosocial rehabilitation and livelihood skills training to 294 survivors to help them return to their communities. The organizations also reached 4.6 million people with reproductive health information to reduce stigma.

To improve local capacity, the program trained 234 community health workers in surveillance and 1,075 frontline health providers in fistula management and emergency obstetric care.