Garissa County First Lady Fardosa Osman on Friday paid a visit to fistula patients admitted at the County referral hospital, as they wait to undergo reconstructive surgery in a week-long camp.
Speaking during the visit, Fardosa advocated for an end to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and early marriages, citing the two as the most common causes of fistula in young women.
"We know FGM and early marriages contribute to the high prevalence of fistula cases in our county. I challenge you to fight against these vices as we battle fistula," she said.
Her sentiments were also echoed by County Chief Officer for Health Isnino Rage, who sympathised with the women suffering from the disorder.
"Most of our affected mothers and sisters feel despised and neglected due to the uncontrolled discharge of waste from their bodies. This has forced them to go into self-imposed house curfews," Rage said.
As a show of commitment to preventing fistula cases in future, the Health Chief Officer stated that all medical officers would respond to birth-related issues as a matter of urgency.
Other top officials who accompanied the First Lady include Amref project coordinator Galgalo Golicha, Global One Project officer Kaltuma AbdirahmanAbdirahman and Garissa Hospital CEO Omar Abdi.
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