Agnes
Uganda
In the Kapelebyong District of Uganda, Agnes suffered from a prolonged labor and her baby did not survive. During this pregnancy, she developed a slight tear. Although her second pregnancy led to a healthy baby girl, Agnes’s fistula had worsened and she began leaking urine uncontrollably.
After learning about her condition, Agnes’s husband left to find a new wife. It wasn’t until she was approached by a fistula survivor in the Amuria District of Uganda that Agnes learned about treatment available at Terrewode Women’s Community Hospital (TWCH) in Soroti.
Agnes’s in-laws provided her with the money needed to transport her to the hospital where she had a successful repair surgery!
I kept praying to God for healing. In October 2021, I went through surgery. I was on catheter for two weeks and the urine stopped. I was excited and went back home happy. I cannot find words adequate enough to express my thanks and appreciation to TWCH.
Agnes hoped that this successful surgery would help restore her relationship with her husband, but he had brought home a new wife
I know my condition is another contributor to my husband’s behavior…I find a lot of hope and consolation in my 2-year-old daughter.
After surgery Agnes attended reintegration training at TWCH and quickly decided she wanted to focus her involvement on the younger audience to educate them on their rights. Agnes is one of 200 fistula survivors who have undergone extensive training in human rights, leadership, and gender advocacy. Agnes now travels to different churches throughout the Kapelebyong District sharing awareness of Terrewode and educating communities of the importance of maternal health.
But most importantly, the training on leadership and advocacy that I received from TERREWIODE has helped me in mobilizing and engaging with the youth… I share with them issues of reproductive health such as avoiding early sex, rushing into marriage and taking their education seriously. For those who have dropped out of school, I encourage them to find something within their localities that they can do to earn a living.
