Claudine
2026
Among the women treated at Freedom From Fistula Madagascar is Claudine, a 26 year old woman from Mananara.
For 3 years she lived with obstetric fistula.
Her ordeal began during the birth of her second child. When complications arose during labour, she was referred to a hospital for a c-section. However, instead of being taken directly to the hospital, her in-laws brought her to a traditional birth attendant, where repeated attempts were made to deliver the baby without success.
By the time Claudine reached the hospital, it was too late to save her child. Shortly after surgery, she began experiencing continuous urine leakage and was informed that she’d developed obstetric fistula.
Life quickly became extremely challenging. Friends gradually stopped visiting her, and many people told her that her condition could never be cured. The stigma and isolation took a heavy toll.
Unable to continue working in the vanilla plantations, she eventually returned to live with her father. Later, her husband left her for another woman.
The constant leakage was the most painful part of her daily life. It caused severe discomfort, skin irritation, and made even simple movements difficult.
Hope returned when a doctor at her regional hospital informed her about Freedom From Fistula and referred her for treatment.
From the moment she arrived, Claudine received compassionate and professional care from the medical team. Through the free treatment provided at the centre, she underwent surgery and began her journey towards healing and recovery.
Today, Claudine is healed and looking forward to the future with renewed hope.
“I am deeply grateful to the entire team for helping me regain my health and rebuild my life.”
Information
- For information on our work in Madagascar visit our project page.
- For information on our fistula care visit our services page.
- For information on obstetric fistulas visit our about page.
