|PIC1|The condition results from obstructed childbirth where there is no medical intervention, and in over 90 per cent of the cases the baby does not survive. These women leak urine constantly, and as a result they are shunned by their communities and often by their families. Many are forced to live in hiding, suffering from overwhelming shame and trauma.
Hope Reborn is the name of the program for volunteers serving in the West African nation throughout 2009 aimed at addressing the surgical needs of women with obstetric fistula, as well as providing training in medical procedures for local surgeons and nurses.
"Those who saw us laughed at us," Justine said. "We were suffering."
Justine delivered four healthy children, but her fifth died during a long and complicated delivery, causing a fistula to develop. She had not left her home for nine years. "Every day, I was very tired, ashamed, and people laughed at me." Justine's husband tried to find a solution, going to different hospitals. One wanted almost $300 to perform the repair, an impossible sum in a place where the average income is only $75 a month.
Justine heard about Mercy Ships from her sister who had surgery with Mercy Ships a few years ago. A week after surgery, Justine was ready to go home. "I have so much to thank God for. God has delivered me and the doctors have worked very well," she said.
Parra's journey to the Africa Mercy from the far north of Benin demonstrated her desperate need and immense trust. A mother of three, Parra sustained the fistula during the birth of her third child who survived the delivery and is now almost a year old. Parra speaks a tribal language unknown to any of the local volunteers employed by Mercy Ships as translators.
Despite difficulties in communication, she trusted that God would watch over her. Her faith was rewarded, as she was healed and able to sing a song of thanksgiving to the doctors and nurses.
When fistula patients are discharged following surgery, there is a time of great rejoicing in the ship's wards. Each woman receives a new dress in the fabric of her choice, signifying a new beginning. Dancing and singing are a response to the physical, social and spiritual care they receive. The discharge procedure also includes instructions about ongoing care, family planning and the need to have caesarean delivery for subsequent pregnancies to reduce the risk of recurrence. Provision for such surgeries is arranged with local providers who are able to bill Mercy Ships for surgeries provided for former patients.
Mercy Ships is an international Christian charity that has operated hospital ships in developing nations since 1978. Following the example of Jesus, Mercy Ships brings hope and healing to the poor, mobilizing people and resources worldwide. Mercy Ships has 14 support offices around the world, including the Australian office at Caloundra, on the Queensland Sunshine Coast. www.mercyships.org.au