A New Beginning for Hadicha: Restoring Dignity After Obstetric Fistula

When Hadicha Hassan welcomed her first child earlier this year, she expected to begin a new chapter of motherhood.

Instead, complications during childbirth left the young mother from Asa, Tana River County, with obstetric fistula (VVF) a preventable childbirth injury that caused continuous urine leakage and dramatically altered her daily life.

Like many women living with fistula, Hadicha faced uncertainty and the emotional burden that often accompanies the condition. Simple routines became difficult, and the joy of becoming a mother was overshadowed by a health challenge she never anticipated.

Her story changed when she was connected to WADADIA’s HER Dignity Programme, which works to ensure women living with obstetric fistula can access timely screening, referral and free treatment.

At WADADIA Habibat Mother and Child Holistic Health and Training Hospital, Hadicha underwent successful reconstructive surgery, giving her the opportunity to begin healing and reclaim her quality of life.

Recovery involves more than a successful operation. During her stay, WADADIA Founder and Lead Director Habiba Mohamed spent time with Hadicha and her mother-in-law in the ward, listening to their concerns, encouraging them through recovery and reinforcing the importance of family support during healing. Together with WADADIA’s psychosocial support team, these conversations help ensure that women leave hospital with renewed confidence as well as restored health.

Hadicha’s journey is one of hope but it is also a reminder.

Across Kenya, many women continue to live with untreated obstetric fistula because they do not know treatment exists or cannot access it in time.

That is why WADADIA continues working alongside communities, health facilities and referral partners to identify women earlier, connect them to care and ensure that no woman is left to suffer alone.

Do you know a woman experiencing continuous urine leakage after childbirth? Help her take the first step. Reach out to WADADIA. Early referral can restore health, dignity and hope.