There is a reason they call childbirth a miracle. It’s because from the beginning, so many things could go wrong.
Today, even with advanced care, pregnancy and childbirth have serious risks, from haemorrhage and infection to preeclampsia and obstructed labour, and Obstetric Fistula, the list could go on and on.
In fact, that both mother and baby survive and recover well, especially in low-resource settings, is seen as extraordinary from a medical perspective.
When Daisy Mukasa started Yanza Foundation, she was thinking about love. For her community and especially for mothers. The foundation is a community-driven, empathy-led effort to support women affected by obstetric fistula in Western Kenya.
Or in Mukasa’s words, it is “a grassroots advocacy initiative focused on raising awareness about obstetric fistula, a serious childbirth injury that continues to affect women, especially in remote areas of Kenya.”
“We create awareness about fistula and try to break the harmful misconceptions that surround it,” Mukasa explains to The Kenya Times Correspondent Kwama Joy.
“Many people still believe fistula is a punishment for adultery or that a woman got it because she was too lazy to push during childbirth. These myths cause shame and isolation.”
Also Read: Dangerous Pregnancy Complication: African Women at Higher Risk of Pre-eclampsia
What is Obstetric Fistula?
Fistula is a childbirth injury caused by prolonged, obstructed labour without timely medical care. It creates a hole between the vagina and either the bladder or rectum, leading to constant leaking of urine or stool.
Without treatment, it can lead to lifelong physical and emotional trauma. Most of the women Mukasa encounters have lived with the condition for decades.
“A lot of them are older now because they’ve had the condition for 10, 20, even 30 years. But the condition itself mostly affects women aged between 15 and 49, especially first-time mothers,” she explains.
In rural and marginalised communities, access to maternal healthcare is still a huge barrier, and Obstetric Fistula Surgeon Dr. Nathan Matasi confirms.
Poor road networks, long distances to health facilities, and lack of trained birth attendants mean that many women still give birth at home or in small clinics without the proper or enough equipment.
By the time they are referred to a hospital, complications have already began.
The Shame and Burden Inflicted on These Women
According to Mukasa, the decision to seek medical help is often influenced by community attitudes.
In areas where awareness has reached, younger women are more likely to come forward for treatment. But in more conservative or remote regions, stigma still silences many.
Also Read: Inspiring Story of Asunta Wagura: Woman who Gave Birth to Twins at 60
“There are places where women are hidden by their families. People don’t want to talk about it, or they’re afraid of being judged. That silence makes it even harder for women to find help,” Mukasa explains.
On the other hand, Dr. Nathan Matasi, an obstetric surgeon based in Western Kenya, obstetric fistula is a preventable but persistent maternal health issue, especially in rural communities.
“Most patients diagnose themselves when they start leaking urine or stool after a prolonged, obstructed labour, often following delayed or poor medical intervention.
“Surgery is the most common form of treatment,” says Dr. Matasi.
Although minor cases may be managed with catheter insertion over two to three weeks, the majority of fistulas require surgical repair.
Unfortunately, access to timely surgery is still limited, especially in rural areas. In many cases, labour is mismanaged for days before the woman is referred to a hospital, usually too late to prevent damage.
He explains that obstetric fistula is entirely preventable with better access to skilled healthcare providers and facilities. However, a shortage of trained specialists and limited interest among younger doctors because the condition is associated with poverty, is an even bigger barrier to treatment.
Mukasa Explains Why She Founded Yanza Foundation
Daisy Mukasa’s path into advocacy was shaped in school. She studied Global Challenges at the African Leadership University (ALU), allowing her to focus on her passion, healthcare.
When it was time to choose a project for her final year in 2021, she founded Yanza Foundation, the advocacy initiative she now leads.
“That project is what birthed Yanza,” she says.
Over the years, Daisy has worked across various sectors, building a broad perspective on social impact. She has worked in mental health, climate justice, and peace and security.
This flexibility helped her understand how different global issues intersect and influence health outcomes, especially for her underrepresented communities.
After graduation, Daisy transitioned into communications, a space she says allowed her to bring all her interests together.
“Visual storytelling and social media management give me the tools to amplify voices and advocate effectively,” she explains.
Today, Mukasa’s communication work is rooted in a commitment to community and dignity.
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