Justice for Mothers

Mijere says, ending preventable maternal injuries through stronger health policies and community action is a matter of urgency.

By Francis Maingaila

LUSAKA, Zambia24 — (21-05-2025) - The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has called for urgent national action to eliminate obstetric fistula in Zambia, framing it as an issue of maternal justice that demands immediate attention from health authorities, policymakers, and communities alike.

Speaking during a media orientation commemorating Safe Motherhood Week and the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula, UNFPA Fistula Specialist Jennipher Mijere described obstetric fistula as a preventable tragedy that continues to rob women and girls of their health, dignity, and fundamental rights.

“Obstetric fistula is not just a medical condition—it is an injustice,” Mijere said.

“No woman should suffer simply because she couldn’t access timely, quality maternal care.”

A Preventable Tragedy

Obstetric fistula results from prolonged, obstructed labor without emergency intervention, often due to the absence of skilled birth attendants or accessible healthcare facilities.

The condition creates an abnormal opening between the vagina and bladder or rectum, causing chronic incontinence, infections, and infertility.

Survivors frequently face stigma, abandonment, and depression—issues compounded by early marriage, poor nutrition, and weak health infrastructure in rural Zambia.

Prevention Over Cure

UNFPA, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, currently supports free surgical repair at referral hospitals such as the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka and Kitwe Central Hospital.

While the surgical success rate is around 75%, Mijere stressed that the focus must shift toward prevention.

“We must end child marriage, keep girls in school, and ensure women give birth in facilities that are equipped to handle complications,” she said.

She emphasized the need to strengthen referral systems, provide skilled birth attendants nationwide, and invest in emergency obstetric care, especially in underserved communities.

Campaign for Change

Mijere urged journalists to use their platforms to amplify the voices of affected women and expose the systemic failures that allow fistula to persist.

“This is a call for justice—for policies that protect women’s health and a society that values every mother’s life,” she said.

“Ending fistula is possible within a generation, but only if we commit to sustained investment and community engagement.”

UNFPA continues to work with traditional leaders, health workers, and policymakers to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and advocate for the reproductive rights of all Zambian women and girls.

“We have the knowledge, the tools, and the responsibility,” Mijere concluded.

“Now we need action. Justice for mothers can’t wait.”

And speaking at the same occasion Margaret Siatwiko Mulabe, a Nursing Officer under the Ministry of Health, not only warned about Gender-Based Violence (GBV) no longer being just a criminal or social issue—it is now a public health emergency, but also raised concern over the deepening crisis.

Between 2023 and 2024, Zambia recorded over 52,000 GBV cases involving women and more than 6,000 cases affecting men.

According to Mulabe, these numbers reflect a troubling trend that poses significant risks to the health, dignity, and wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities.

“GBV affects more than the victim—it burdens our entire health system,” Mulabe said.

“It results in trauma, injuries, sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancies, and long-term psychological disorders. This is a national public health concern.”

The Southern Province, she revealed, has recorded the highest number of cases, with intimate partners being the primary perpetrators. The violence manifests in various forms:

Physical: Beatings, maiming, and killings.

Sexual: Rape, child marriage, and forced virginity testing.

Psychological: Threats, intimidation, and emotional manipulation.

Economic: Denial of financial resources and destruction of property.

Harmful Traditional Practices: Female genital mutilation (FGM) and widow inheritance.

Mulabe stressed that cultural and systemic barriers continue to fuel the problem.

“Many survivors, especially men, do not report abuse due to stigma and societal expectations.

Even when cases are reported, survivors often face a lack of access to legal, psychosocial, and economic support services,” she explained.

As a frontline public health advocate, Mulabe is calling for an urgent, multi-sectoral approach to prevention and response.

“We must integrate GBV response into our healthcare system, from community health outreach to hospital care. Health workers must be trained to identify signs of abuse and respond appropriately.”

She also emphasized the need for broad-based advocacy to challenge harmful beliefs that normalize violence. “

She explained that the idea that ‘a woman must endure abuse’ is not only dangerous—it is deadly.

"We must shift these cultural narratives and promote gender equality as a core health value.”

Mulabe further called on the media to be proactive in their advocacy role.

“Media houses must report sensitively, avoiding language that blames victims. They must also amplify survivor voices and spotlight the services available to them.”

She urged survivors to seek help through Victim Support Units (VSUs) at police stations and health facilities equipped to provide care.

“Breaking the silence is the first step toward healing—and prevention.”

With GBV cases continuing to rise, Mulabe says addressing it must become a national health priority.

“We cannot achieve universal health coverage or meet our development goals while families and communities are torn apart by violence.”

Meanwhile, Georgia Mutale Chimabo, Principal Public Relations Officer at the Ministry of Health, called on media houses to adopt ethical reporting practices when covering maternal health issues and obstetric fistula in Zambia.

Chimabo explained that responsible journalism is crucial for protecting survivors, fostering public understanding, and supporting health system improvements.

Speaking on the importance of accuracy and dignity in reporting, Chimabo warned against sensationalism and stigmatizing language, which can mislead the public and further marginalize affected women. 

“Media ethics aren’t optional—they’re essential. We must inform with integrity and inspire change,” she said.

Key Guidelines for Ethical Reporting

Chimabo outlined clear “do’s” for journalists covering maternal health:

Accuracy: Always cross-check facts with credible sources such as the Ministry of Health or medical professionals to ensure correct information.

Context: Frame individual stories within the larger healthcare system challenges, including access to skilled birth attendants and emergency care.

Dignity: Protect survivors’ identities rigorously and seek their consent before interviews or photographs to maintain their privacy and respect.

Solutions-Focused Reporting: Highlight positive developments like successful fistula repair surgeries and awareness campaigns that are making a difference.

Conversely, she cautioned against several harmful practices, including:

Sensationalism: Avoid alarmist or fear-inducing headlines like “Hospital Death Epidemic” without verified evidence.

Stigmatizing Language: Do not describe survivors with derogatory terms such as “smelly” or “broken,” which deepen stigma.

Graphic Content: Refrain from publishing distressing images or explicit details that violate survivor privacy.

Case in Point: Responsible Headlining

Chimabo referenced a common problematic headline, “Woman Dies in Childbirth: Is Your Hospital Safe?” to illustrate how media can create unnecessary panic without proper context. 

She suggested a more responsible alternative: “Maternal Mortality in Zambia: How Skilled Birth Attendants Save Lives,” which provides factual information and focuses on solutions.

The Media’s Role in Driving Change

According to Chimabo, ethical reporting does more than inform; it humanizes data by sharing survivor stories, influences policymaking—such as increasing access to fistula repair centers and gender-based violence support services—and mobilizes communities to reject stigma.

She urged journalists to collaborate closely with healthcare professionals and participate in training on ethical health reporting.

“Journalists have a powerful role in holding leaders accountable and promoting maternal and reproductive health improvements,” Chimabo stated.

She also appealed to the public and communities to support survivors of fistula and gender-based violence by standing in solidarity and rejecting harmful stereotypes.