Fistula care services continue in Goma despite the 17th Ebola outbreak in DRC
On October 30, 2026, MZ (alias), a 20-year-old woman, underwent successful surgery to repair an obstetric fistula she carried, at HEAL Africa Hospital in Goma. Her operation reflects the commitment of HEAL Africa to providing appropriate care to patients, even during an Ebola outbreak. This also reflects the right of fistula patients to access appropriate healthcare services at any time they seek care .
MZ was one of four fistula patients scheduled for surgery that Friday. Under the care of Professor Justin Paluku, her circumferential fistula was surgically closed with success in nearly an hour. She is now on the ward, receiving post-operative care.
She had been carrying this burden for exactly three months. She reported having had a difficult labor in the outskirts of the city of Nyabiondo in Masisi territory, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. After almost 24 hours, she was unable to push the baby out even though she was having good contractions. She was then taken to a local health center, where a difficult cesarean section was performed. The baby did not survive.
Following the operation, MZ could no longer control her urine. She found herself lying in a wet bed. After two weeks at the health center, she was discharged without fully understanding what was happening to her. She was wet all the time and was smelling urine. She desperately went back home and lived miserably, abandoned by her husband.
Three months later, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) identified her and referred her to HEAL Africa Hospital in Goma for further investigations and specialized treatment.
Fortunately for her and for many others, fistula repair activities continue normally at HEAL Africa hospital thanks to financial support from partners. MZ’s care took place amid the declaration of the 17th Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC. Hospitals are still operating, offering healthcare to patients of all categories. In the Goma region, fistula care services continue as before. For almost 6 months now, no new cases of Ebola have been detected in the area.
MZ’s restorative surgery was made possible through UNFPA’s financial support, which has enabled patients to access fistula repair free of charge at HEAL Africa Hospital. We thank MSF for facilitating her referral to a specialized center in time, and UNFPA for their support.
As MZ recovers from surgery, her story underscores the importance of maintaining essential health services, even during public health emergencies like Ebola outbreak.