Source: The News
"We were rejected, neglected, abandoned and stigmatized by family members, friends and love ones as a result of the pupu and pepe sickness we were suffering from; but today, our stories have changed; those who rejected us are now embracing us," these were the words of some fistula survivors who have now been reintegrated into communities.
Fistula is a condition that makes women to defecate and urinate on themselves unknowingly as a result of difficulties experienced during child birth.
The fistula survivors, having been treated and trained in various skills, have now been reintegrated into communities where they are practicing their skills.
During a visit to their communities over the weekend, the fistula survivors told journalists that they are happy to be reunited with their families in the communities after years of stigmatization.
Ms. Victoria Kanu of Sinkor said since her return to her community, she has been accepted by family members, friends and love ones. She told journalists that she is making use of her tailoring skill.
She lauded the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for funding her treatment and vocational education.
Mama Mulbah, another fistula survivor who now lives on Peace Island said she is happily living in her community.
Like Ms. Kanu, Ms. Mulbah said she was neglected and isolated by family members as a result of fistula she experienced during child birth at the age of 15.
But she said following a successful treatment and skills training, "today, my story has changed; those who once rejected me including my immediate family members are now happy to receive me."
Ms. Mulbah who did pastry, said she is making use of the skills by baking bread to sell.
Ms Siah Willikpore, another fistula survivor who is now 42 years said having experienced fistula for over 20 years, she is glad to once more become a normal person.
She said after 20 years of stigmatization, neglect and rejection she's now accepted in the community.
Ms. Willikpore, a trained soap maker disclosed that through the skills acquired, she has built a house where she now lives with one of her friends who is also a survival of fistula.
She lauded UNFPA for restoring her lost dignity and giving her skills to be a productive person in society.
All of the fistula survivors were given starter kits relative to the skills acquired.