Gusii Stadium, May 23 2025 – In a powerful show of commitment to women’s health, Kisii County hosted this year’s International Day to End Obstetric Fistula (IDEOF) celebrations, marked by the groundbreaking launch of the Obstetric Fistula Kenya Program Playbook – a national blueprint for eliminating this preventable childbirth injury.
A Uniting Moment for Women’s Health
The event, graced by Kisii Deputy Governor Elijah Obebo and Ministry of Health Representative Denver Mariga, brought together:
• Healthcare providers
• Fistula survivors
• Policy makers
• Community advocates
Their collective presence underscored Kenya’s shared determination to eradicate obstetric fistula by 2030 – a key target in the country’s reproductive health agenda.
Why This Playbook Matters
The newly launched playbook represents a transformative approach to addressing fistula through:
✅ Prevention – Strengthening maternal healthcare systems
✅ Treatment – Expanding access to quality surgical repair
✅ Rehabilitation – Providing psychosocial support
✅ Reintegration – Empowering survivors to rebuild their lives
“This playbook isn’t just a document – it’s a promise to Kenyan women,” emphasized DG Obebo during the launch.
A Call to Collective Action
The event amplified this year’s global theme:
“End Fistula Now – Restore Dignity and Hope”
Ministry representative Denver Mariga called for county-level implementation of the playbook’s strategies, noting that “ending fistula requires all hands on deck – from national policymakers to community health volunteers.”
Kisii’s Leadership in Maternal Health
This launch positions Kisii County as:
• A champion for gender-sensitive healthcare
• A model for multi-stakeholder health partnerships
• A leader in implementing Kenya’s reproductive health commitments
What’s Next?
The county health department will:
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Conduct county-wide fistula awareness campaigns
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Train healthcare workers on playbook implementation
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Strengthen referral systems for fistula management
How can our community support this initiative? Share your thoughts below!
#EndFistulaNow #WomensHealthKe #KisiiCares
