Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone is a tropical country on the West African coast. It is now rebuilding after a protracted civil war that ended in 2002. The Sierra Leonean economy relies on mining, especially diamonds. Sierra Leone is among the most dangerous places in the world to bear children.

Fistula Care supports activities at the Aberdeen Women's Center in Freetown.   

Program Results

As of June2010 (since January 2007):

• A total of 1,109 fistula repair surgeries supported.
• Thirteen surgeons have been trained in fistula repair surgery and over 150 nurses have been trained in pre- and postoperative care.

Supported Site

The Aberdeen Women's Center opened in April 2005 in the capital city of Freetown. It can accommodate 44 surgical patients in its wards, as well as 22 patients who are awaiting and preparing for surgery. Mercy Ships International partners with public facilities, other organizations, and community groups for prevention efforts and to spread the word that fistula repair services are available. After 2012, Mercy Ships and its partners will work with the Sierra Leonean Ministry of Health and with Aberdeen community leaders to determine whether the clinic can be incorporated into the national health system or whether another organization can take over operations.

For Communications Materials developed in Sierra Leone, click here.

PBS's FRONTLINE/World recently published a video by Jenny Chu—Sierra Leone: Yeabu's Homecoming—about obstetric fistula in Sierra Leone. The 14-minute video focuses in part on Mercy Ships, one of EngenderHealth’s Fistula Care partners.

Program Activities

Strengthening services

The Aberdeen Women's Center provides training for fistula surgeons who wish to build their skills. The Fistula Care program coaches the trained surgeons even after their Aberdeen visits end. Women who have been surgically repaired at the Aberdeen fistula center receive physiotherapy and can participate in basic numeracy and literacy programs.

Improving fistula prevention

Teams from the Aberdeen center travel up-country to identify women with fistula and invite them to seek treatment. Sierra Leoneans who have had their fistulas successfully repaired also serve as advocates who raise awareness about fistula. Women who have been discharged from the Aberdeen center receive counseling, information about family planning, and vouchers for cesarean sections. The vouchers help these women after they have healed from surgery to have an affordable, successful delivery, if they so desire. Mercy Ships offers tubal ligations for those patients who are interested. In addition, family planning services are now offered through a partner agency.