December
Surgical Training & Healing Update
Joe Kinahan Live from Mercy Fistula Center, Mankessim
I am writing from the Mercy Fistula Center (MFC) in Mankessim, Ghana, where an extraordinary week of surgical training and patient care is underway. I am joined by Dr. Fekade Ayenachew, one of Africa’s most experienced expert fistula surgeons. Dr. Fekade served for more than a decade as Dr. Catherine Hamlin’s Chief Medical Officer and Medical Director at Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia. He has conducted surgical training in 15 countries and is now mentoring surgeons here in Ghana for the very first time.
Building Surgical Excellence
Four Ghanaian residents and three senior surgeons are rotating through in-depth, hands-on training that includes ultrasound evaluation, advanced pelvic examinations, cystoscopy, dye tests, and guided surgical repair. This work strengthens Ghana’s capacity to manage even the most complex fistula cases.
National Evening Webinars
Most evenings, theoretical training sessions are being held online. One webinar drew more than 150 senior Ghanaian OBGYNs from across the country. Together, they examined best practices for preventing and managing iatrogenic fistula. This nationwide participation reflects a strong commitment to raising clinical standards and improving surgical safety.
Treating the Most Complex Cases
Sixteen of the most challenging unresolved VVF cases from the past two years at MFC were selected for surgery. All sixteen women passed their post-operative dye test immediately, confirming successful closure. They will remain in the main ward for approximately two weeks before discharge.
Five additional patients were evaluated but did not proceed to surgery due to significant kidney damage. Some may be candidates for urinary diversion procedures. Every patient received compassionate care and a clear plan for follow-up treatment.
This Giving Season
As we close the year, your support ensures that women living with severe childbirth injuries receive the care they deserve — and that African clinicians receive the training needed to expand safe surgery across the region. Your year-end, tax-deductible gift strengthens treatment and prevention efforts across all partner countries.