UNFPA and Iceland Support Fistula Surgeries in Sierra Leone

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has partnered with the Government of Iceland and Sierra Leone's Ministry of Health to provide obstetric fistula repair surgeries at Makeni Regional Hospital. The surgeries are part of the National Obstetric Fistula Surgery Camp, with funding from the Government of Iceland and technical support from UNFPA. This initiative aims to provide women affected by obstetric fistula with access to treatment and support.

On November 11, 2026, UNFPA Sierra Leone Representative, Kunle Kaden Adeniyi, visited Makeni Regional Hospital to assess the ongoing activities. The delegation, which included representatives from the Embassy of Iceland in Freetown and the Ministry of Health's Directorate of Reproductive and Child Health, engaged with patients and survivors to hear about their experiences and treatment journeys. They also discussed fistula treatment and support services with surgeons, nurses, and midwives.

Approximately 10 women have already received treatment in Makeni, with the surgeries made possible through theatre renovations and medical equipment funded by the Government of Iceland. The programme is expected to extend to Bo Government Hospital, where another 10 to 15 women are scheduled to undergo surgery. This will increase access to treatment for women affected by obstetric fistula.

The partnership between Iceland and UNFPA has supported approximately 545 fistula repair surgeries across Sierra Leone since 2022. Additionally, 1,936 women have been screened for suspected obstetric fistula, and 294 survivors have received psychosocial rehabilitation, livelihood skills training, and family reintegration programmes. These programmes aim to help survivors rebuild their lives and return to their communities.

The partnership has also reached approximately 4.6 million people with sexual and reproductive health information, aiming to challenge stigma and encourage women to seek medical attention early. Furthermore, 234 community health workers have been trained in community surveillance and case-finding, while 1,075 frontline health providers have received training in Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care and fistula management.

UNFPA emphasises that access to timely treatment is essential in helping affected women overcome the physical and emotional challenges associated with obstetric fistula. The organisation highlights the importance of sustained partnerships, investment in healthcare infrastructure, and strengthening the capacity of local health workers to prevent and manage obstetric fistula.

The latest intervention builds on years of collaboration between Iceland and UNFPA to prevent and treat obstetric fistula in Sierra Leone. The partnership demonstrates the positive impact of collaborative efforts in addressing healthcare challenges and improving the lives of women affected by obstetric fistula.

Key points

• UNFPA and Iceland partner to provide fistula surgeries for women in Makeni and Bo, Sierra Leone.
• The partnership has supported approximately 545 fistula repair surgeries across Sierra Leone since 2022.
• Access to timely treatment is essential in helping affected women overcome the physical and emotional challenges associated with obstetric fistula.