Amondi, the eldest of five children, has never been to school. She’s worked in the fields digging, weeding and planting since she was little.
When she was still only a teenager, Amondi became pregnant. As is common for girls in the remote region where she lived, Amondi went into labour in her family home. After three days, the baby still hadn’t been delivered. Someone finally ran to a nearby place where they could get phone reception, to call the hospital.
The ambulance was sent quickly, but it was still another five hour wait for Amondi. And then, another long, painful five hours’ drive to hospital.
Amondi was unconscious by the time she arrived. The long labour had been traumatic, both physically and emotionally. When she woke after her emergency caesarean operation, Amondi was delirious. It was several days before she could recognise people, and even longer before she could interact with them normally again.
On top of this, Amondi began to leak urine uncontrollably. She had developed a fistula injury. The doctors and nurses at the hospital didn’t know she could be treated, so eventually Amondi was sent home.
At home, Amondi’s mother cared for her. However, she was so ashamed of leaking urine that she tried never to leave the home.
Finally, a fistula ambassador found her. It was arranged for Amondi to be brought to hospital in Juba, South Sudan by plane – which she was very excited about.
Amondi was treated at a recent fistula camp, where Dr Andrew along with Sister Noella, Dr Lado, and a new trainee from Sudan, Dr Yousef, were able to operate on 46 women suffering with fistula injuries. She is doing well and Dr Andrew will check on her progress when he returns later this year.
Amondi’s story is not uncommon.
When women, living in remote areas, don’t have access to safe maternal healthcare, it can be devastating. Every day around the world, approximately 786 women die trying to have a baby, and for every death, another 20 women will suffer a birthing injury. We’re working with local partners in Africa to change that.
You can make a difference for girls like Amondi.
Amondi’s name has been changed to protect her privacy.