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The First Lady of Makueni County, Her Excellency Anita Mutula exchange pleasantries with Ms. Beatrice Koki of Beyond Zero Initiative during a courtesy call to her office ahead of the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula commemoration in Wote, Makueni County.
MAKUENI, May 23, 2024: The Beyond Zero Initiative today joined the Ministry of Health, the County Government of Makueni, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Jhpiego, Save a Woman Fistula Foundation, Amref Health Africa, and other key partners in commemorating the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula (IDEOF) at the Makueni County Referral Hospital in Wote. The event emphasized global and local efforts to address this debilitating condition.
The First Lady of Makueni County, Her Excellency Anita Mutula accompanied by various partners present gift hampers to some of the beneficiaries of the free fistula camp ahead of the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula commemoration in Wote, Makueni County 
The First Lady of Makueni County, Her Excellency Anita Mutula accompanied by various partners present gift hampers to some of the beneficiaries of the free fistula camp ahead of the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula commemoration in Wote, Makueni County 
The First Lady of Makueni County, Her Excellency Anita Mutula at a group photo with various partners during the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula commemoration in Wote, Makueni County. 
 The First Lady of Makueni County, Her Excellency Anita Mutula and Ms. Beatrice Koki of Beyond Zero Initiative give their remarks during the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula commemoration in Wote, Makueni County.
 The First Lady of Makueni County, Her Excellency Anita Mutula and Ms. Beatrice Koki of Beyond Zero Initiative give their remarks during the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula commemoration in Wote, Makueni County.
IDEOF is recognized annually on May 23rd and aims to raise awareness, mobilize support, and provide essential medical care to prevent and treat obstetric fistula, a devastating childbirth injury that affects countless women in rural and underserved communities. The theme for this year’s IDEOF is “Breaking the Cycle: Preventing Fistula Worldwide.” This theme underscores the critical need for preventive measures and timely treatment to eradicate fistula and support affected women in regaining their health and dignity.
Activities leading up to the commemoration of IDEOF included a one-week Free Fistula Camp, where partners supported awareness creation, community mobilization, screening at sub-county hospitals, and surgical repairs. So far, 42 women have successfully undergone surgical repairs. This partnership highlights the collective commitment to tackling obstetric fistula.
The Beyond Zero Initiative, founded by Kenya’s former First Lady, Her Excellency Margaret Kenyatta, has been instrumental in enhancing maternal and child health services across the country. By participating in IDEOF, Beyond Zero continues to advocate for the health and well-being of women, emphasizing the importance of accessible and quality healthcare.
During the event, Beatrice Koki, a representative from Beyond Zero, reiterated the initiative’s dedication to eradicating obstetric fistula. “We are committed to providing continuous support and implementing effective measures to end obstetric fistula in line with the Beyond Zero Strategic Plan 2023-2027. Our efforts are directed towards ensuring that no woman has to suffer from this preventable condition,” she stated.
The First Lady of Makueni County, Her Excellency Anita Mutula, underscored the importance of raising awareness, early detection, and timely treatment. She noted that these measures will greatly reduce the suffering of women and improve their quality of life.
The event also provided a platform for survivors to share their experiences and the transformative impact of surgical repairs.
Ms. Mary Cosmas, one of the beneficiaries, shared her heartfelt story. “I suffered from obstetric fistula for many years, and it affected every aspect of my life. I felt isolated and hopeless. But thanks to the treatment I desperately needed, I have received, I can now look forward to a brighter future.” Maritta Kendi echoed similar sentiments. “The pain and stigma associated with obstetric fistula are overwhelming. I had lost hope of ever living a normal life again. The support and treatment I received restored my dignity and health.”
This year’s IDEOF activities in Makueni County reflect a unified effort to end obstetric fistula, bring hope and healing to countless women, and reaffirm the commitment to a world free from fistula.