Editor,

Allow me to comment on the article "Sorrows and smiles for women with fistula” (The New Times, March 17).

The move to treat the victims of fistula is a good initiative. However, there is a need to also tackle some of the factors that lead to this condition.

One way to prevent fistula is to educate the public on birth preparedness and awareness on any complications, whence the couples should have information on how to save for the birth of the child, dangerous signs during delivery which may affect the mother and the child once they do not find a skilled attendant in time.

Rwanda’s landscape is mountainous, and due to the limited knowledge of danger signs, some women reach the healthcare facilities already with dangers of developing fistula.

Another issue that needs redress is high rate of teen pregnancies because some of them may be prone to obstetric fistula since they hide that they are pregnant and consequently do not get the necessary services.

All in all, there is need for continued education of the general population on danger signs during pregnancy.

Thierry Claudien, Rwanda