Uganda - Campaign to End Fistula

369.10 Characteristics of Patients with FistulaThese were young girls average age of 21 years with low educational standards and poorsocio-economic background which compromised their access to health care.9.11 Medical Schools Training CurriculumAll training curriculae for doctors, nurses, and midwives at pre-services or in-servicelevels lacked competence based provision for hands-on-training in fistula management.The Postgraduate training curriculum in particular, does not guarantee acquisition ofskills in VVF management by the graduate specialist.9.12 Financial Support to VVF ProgrammesThere was no evidence of specific financial allocation for VVF activities from Central,Local Governments or Development Partners except for adhoc arrangements byindividuals hospitals and doctors.9.13 Health Management Information SystemThere is no systematic information gathering about fistula in Uganda. Therefore, it isdifficult to exactly ascertain the magnitude of fistula problem in Uganda. However, the“VVF Week” program with minimal community mobilization yield good results inpatient turn up, indicating that there are many more cases in the communities. Since themajority of deliveries take place at home, it is incumbent that the information isobtainable from gynaecological attendance and operation theatre registers is notrepresentative of the situation on ground.9.14 Potential for Collaboration, Coordination and ResearchThe Ministry of Health, development partners and women rights activists have realisedthe health and social consequences of VVF and have agreed to address them. CurrentlyUNFPA has taken the lead and this study is the first of such initiatives.No evidence was found on any research performed or on-going except for individualdoctors case documentaries.9.15 Job Description and SatisfactionMany health care providers in Uganda have no distinct job description in regard to fistulacare and many earn meagre salaries and have to supplement their living through otherincome generating activities. This denies patients of dedicated and skilled workersbecause of the little financial gains from the poor fistula patients.