Soanaherina

2025

My name is Soanaherina. I am 48 years old and come from Analalava, located 1,107 km from Tamatave. I suffered from obstetric fistula for 25 years, enduring pain, stigma and many challenges that shaped my life.

My suffering began after a difficult childbirth and the loss of my baby. 4 days later, I started leaking urine and I spent many years searching for proper care. The incontinence grew worse over time, making everyday life extremely hard. My husband, unable to cope with the situation, left me. Later, I married another man and had a health child, but I eventually chose to leave that marriage because I felt I could not fully live in my body and I did not want him to suffer for my condition.

In August 2025, I heard on the radio that a team from Freedom From Fistula Madagascar was conducting a fistula screening campaign in my region. I had heard many stories of women whose lives had been transformed at the clinic and I decided it was my turn to seek help.

When I arrived at the clinic I was treated with dignity, care and respect. The medical team guided me through treatment with compassion and professionalism.

Today, I am healed, free and able to live a full life. My body and my spirit have been restored and I now carry hope, confidence and the joy of being able to embrace life again.

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.