UNFPA, Iceland Support Fistula Surgeries for Women in Makeni and Bo
Aaron Parker The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in partnership with the Government of Iceland and Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health, has commenced obstetric fistula repair surgeries at Makeni Regional Hospital, providing women affected by the condition with access to treatment and support.
The surgeries are being conducted under the National Obstetric Fistula Surgery Camp, with funding from the Government of Iceland and technical and programme support from UNFPA.
On Wednesday, 11 November 2026, UNFPA Sierra Leone Representative, Kunle Kaden Adeniyi, joined representatives of the Embassy of Iceland in Freetown, the Ministry of Health’s Directorate of Reproductive and Child Health (DRCH) and other partners at Makeni Regional Hospital to assess the ongoing activities.
During the visit, the delegation engaged with patients and survivors to hear about their experiences and treatment journeys. They also held discussions with surgeons, nurses, midwives and other health workers on the delivery of fistula treatment and support services.
According to UNFPA, approximately 10 women have already received treatment in Makeni. The surgeries were made possible through theatre renovations and the provision of medical equipment funded by the Government of Iceland through UNFPA.
The programme is also expected to extend to Bo Government Hospital, where another 10 to 15 women are scheduled to undergo surgery, increasing access to treatment for women affected by obstetric fistula.
The latest intervention builds on years of collaboration between Iceland and UNFPA to prevent and treat obstetric fistula in Sierra Leone.
Since 2022, the partnership has supported approximately 545 fistula repair surgeries across the country, while 1,936 women have been screened for suspected obstetric fistula.
Beyond surgical treatment, 294 survivors have received support through psychosocial rehabilitation, livelihood skills training and family reintegration programmes to help them rebuild their lives and return to their communities.
The partnership has also reached approximately 4.6 million people with sexual and reproductive health information aimed at challenging stigma and encouraging women to seek medical attention early.
In addition, 234 community health workers have been trained in community surveillance and case-finding, while 1,075 frontline health providers have received training in Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC) and fistula management.
UNFPA noted that the achievements demonstrate the importance of sustained partnerships, investment in healthcare infrastructure and strengthening the capacity of local health workers to prevent and manage obstetric fistula.
The organisation emphasised that access to timely treatment is essential in helping affected women overcome the physical and emotional challenges associated with the condition, restore their confidence and regain their place in society.
