The government has been urged to establish more obstetric fistula treatment centres across Zimbabwe, as existing facilities are failing to meet the needs of women living with the condition.
Obstetric fistula is a severe childbirth injury caused by prolonged and obstructed labour. It results in an abnormal hole between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum, leading to continuous, uncontrollable leakage of urine or faeces.
Women with the condition often face stigma, ridicule and social isolation in their communities.
The calls were made during a youth engagement meeting held at Mucheke Hall in Masvingo on 23 June 2026.
The meeting was part of the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF) Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), HIV and AIDS, and Governance Project.
Peter Imbayarwo, a former councillor from Zaka and one of the participants, said Zimbabwe currently has only a few specialised treatment centres. These include facilities at Mashoko Mission Hospital, Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital, and a recently established centre in Gweru.
Imbayarwo said many women continue to suffer in silence because they are unaware that the condition can be treated.
“There should be more centres for obstetric fistula treatment. The condition is often caused by prolonged labour and affects many women,” said Imbayarwo.
“Some of those affected do not know that it can be treated because there is limited information and awareness.”
Another participant, Kudzai Makuwere, urged the government to increase funding for maternal healthcare services and equip health institutions to assist pregnant women.
“Many young people are unemployed and cannot afford the costs associated with pregnancy and childbirth,” said Makuwere.
“As a result, some avoid health facilities and end up giving birth at home or only seek medical assistance when labour complications have already developed, increasing the risk of obstetric fistula.
“There must be more funding in the health sector to assist young people and reduce such circumstances.”
Makuwere also raised concerns over the cost of antenatal care registration. She said fees charged by some health institutions discourage young mothers from seeking medical attention early in pregnancy.
Zimbabwe’s first national obstetric fistula repair camp was held at Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital in 2015.
More than 800 repairs have been done to date through the Ministry of Health and Child Care and its partners, including the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
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