Ambrose T. Kessy

and 1 more

Obstetric fistula (OF) is a physically and psychologically debilitating medical condition that impacts vulnerable women in Tanzania. It occurs primarily as a result of prolonged labor, which leads to the formation of an abnormal opening between the bladder or rectum and the vagina, and can cause severe incontinence, stigma, and social isolation. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have been instrumental in providing assistance and support to vulnerable women with obstetric fistula in Tanzania. This study investigated the various interventions implemented by NGOs in Tanzania to help women suffering from obstetric fistula. The study aimed to identify the strategies employed by NGOs to address obstetric fistula among vulnerable women, as well as explore factors that influence the delivery of obstetric fistula services. By using the Comprehensive Community-Based Rehabilitation in Tanzania (CCBRT) as a case study, the study establishes that Tanzania’s largest provider of fistula surgery (CCBRT) has implemented various initiatives, including expansion of joint delivery services, an m-pesa mobile outreach program, an ambassadorial network, and an improvement of service quality, to assist vulnerable women, particularly those in remote areas. The study concludes that obstetric fistula is a debilitating condition that continues to affect vulnerable women in Tanzania, and NGOs have played a critical role in providing interventions to alleviate the impact of this condition on women in the country.