Obstetric fistula remains a significant maternal health challenge, particularly in underserved and rural communities with limited access to quality maternal healthcare services. The condition, often resulting from prolonged obstructed labor, leads to devastating physical, emotional, and social consequences for the affected women. Many suffer in silence due to stigma, isolation, and lack of awareness about available treatment options. This project aims to address these challenges by strengthening community-based systems for early identification, referral, and support of women with obstetric fistula, while also building awareness and reducing stigma through education and community engagement.

TAHEA Mwanza, in close collaboration with local government authorities and community structures through the support from Americares Foundation, is leading significant community engagement activities aiming at increasing awareness, early identification, and referral for obstetric fistula (OF) patients across target districts in the Mwanza region. These efforts were guided by a commitment to strengthen community capacity, increase demand for services, and improve access to quality care for women affected by obstetric fistula. 

The overall goal of the project community work is to reduce the burden of obstetric fistula by improving community awareness, enhancing early identification and referral mechanisms, and enabling access to quality treatment and reintegration support services.

This project is being implemented in Ukerewe and Ilemela districts of Mwanza Region in partnerships with R/CHMTs, Americares Foundation Tanzania and Bugando Medical Centre.