With a Simple Surgery, Monica’s Life Begins Again – in #HerWords

Monica thought her life was over. While giving birth to her fifth child in rural Tanzania, she suffered an injury called obstetric fistula, which caused constant urinary incontinence. Her clothes were always soiled. “I isolated myself from church and other meetings,” she says.

Then Monica heard that she could receive surgery at Bugando Medical Centre in Mwanza, Tanzania, hours from her home. She sold seven cows in preparation to pay for the surgery and was surprised to learn that, with support from Americares and Johnson & Johnson, the procedure is provided free. So far, 1,600 women have had the life-changing surgery. The unique program at Bugando includes training for staff in surgery and fistula prevention, as well as transportation vouchers, physical therapy and job skills training for patients after surgery.  Johnson & Johnson also donates the special sutures and other medical supplies critical to the delicate surgical repair. Monica is farming again and caring for her family.  She is deeply grateful for her surgery.