FRIDAY, 22ND MAY 2026: The Beyond Zero Initiative today joined healthcare stakeholders and partners in commemorating the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula (IDEOF) at the Kenyatta National Hospital Administration Grounds under the theme “Her Health is a Right: Invest to End Fistula and Childbirth Injuries.” The event underscored the urgent need to protect the dignity, health, and rights of women and girls through improved maternal healthcare and timely medical intervention.
The commemoration featured free screening and corrective surgeries for women suffering from obstetric fistula, with treatment provided at a medical camp held from May 15th to 22nd.
In remarks delivered by Dr. Lessan Joel during the ceremony, KNH CEO Dr. Richard Lesiyampe noted that obstetric fistula reflects unequal access to quality maternal healthcare. “Behind every fistula case is a woman who endured prolonged labor without timely care, leading to physical pain, emotional trauma, stigma, and loss of dignity,” his statement read, emphasizing that no woman should suffer preventable childbirth injuries due to delayed or unavailable skilled care. He also thanked partners for their continued collaboration in supporting maternal health interventions.
Nairobi County Woman Representative and Chief Guest, Hon. Esther Passaris, described the initiative as “more than a medical intervention,” stating it restores dignity, confidence, health, and hope to affected women.
The event also featured testimonies from fistula survivors who shared their recovery journeys. Earlier in the day, participants took part in an awareness walk flagged off by Hon. Passaris and Dr. Lessan before visiting patients recuperating from surgery.
Partners present included M-PESA Foundation, UNFPA, Amref Health Africa in Kenya, Flying Doctors Society of Africa, Fistula Foundation, Jhpiego and Save a Woman Fistula Foundation (SAWFF) among others.
