Mokpani, Helen, Adrianna and Mariana standing in that order.

In the quiet villages of Karawa area, in North Ubangi Province, four courageous women; Mokpani, Helene, Adrianna and Mariana began a journey they never imagined they would take. Each had endured years of suffering caused by obstetric fistula, a devastating condition brought on by difficult childbirth. For a long time, healing seemed impossible.

They were referred from Karawa General Hospital to HEAL Africa hospital in Goma, North Kivu Province – a journey not just of distance, but of hope and resilience. The travel alone spanned three weeks, involving multiple stages: by motorbike from Karawa to Gemena, where they waited two weeks for a flight to Kinshasa. From Kinshasa, they boarded another flight to Goma, finally arriving at HEAL Africa hospital on December 5, 2024.

At HEAL Africa, they underwent detailed medical investigations and complex surgical procedures, tailored to their unique and complex cases. It was here, for the first time in a long time, that they began to feel the weight of their suffering start to lift.

Their strength tested again when the conflict between the DRC government and the M23 militia erupted. Gunfire, explosions, and fear shook the entire city. For these women, none of whom had ever experienced war so it was terrifying and a big trial that left unanswered questions in their minds. But even in that uncertainty, HEAL Africa’s medical personnel stood firmly by their side, offering not only medical care but also deep emotional and psychosocial support. Their safety, dignity, and healing remained the priority.

Today, all four women are fully healed. No longer confined by shame, pain or isolation, they look to the future with strength. Helene is ready to restart her small business. Mokpani wants to ensure her children go back to school. Mariana dreams of rebuilding her life with her husband. Adrianna, once too ashamed to attend class, plans to return to school with confidence.

Yet even the journey home is not simple. From Goma to Butembo, then Beni by vehicle, a flight to Kinshasa, then on to Gemena, and finally by motorbike to Karawa, with the last stretch on foot to their villages this long road mirrors the incredible path they’ve walked toward healing.

In addition to medical recoveries, these are stories of courage, endurance, and transformation. Thanks to HEAL Africa and Fistula Foundation, these brave women are no longer defined by their condition, but by their strength.  They are ready to rebuild their lives and reclaim the future they nearly lost!

As Helene joyfully said, “I sleep and wake up without a trace of urine. The nightmare is over!”