Transforming lives: The story of Hirbo

My name is Hirbo. I first came here at Borama fistula hospital for treatment because I was very sick. I was born with fistula. I didn’t know that there are people who are affected by fistula like me. I thought I was the only one suffering from the condition. When I came here, I saw many women who suffered the same problem as me. Some were even worse than me. I went through an operation and thanks to Allah, it was successful and now I am OK.

After my successful operation, I did not go back to my community. I chose to work here at the Fistula hospital. I encourage girls and women who come here for treatment . I tell them that fistula is treatable and that they can live normal lives after the surgery. I also find it easy to work with the docotrs here as we understand each other very well. 

Working here is satisfying. I meet with many people and when they share their stories, I inspire them with my story;  for them to know that they will get better; and that our fate is in Allah and so we should create our own happiness. 

After my treatment, I was sponsored to go and study. This motivated me to increase my knowledge gained from the fistula hospital. Through my studies, I have gained more experience. This will enable me to share more on fistula with the women and girls who come here for treatment.

I completed my university education on community midwifery and now I work here at the fistula hospital; I am so grateful. I also encourage my sisters who are affected by fistula to come to the hospital to get treatment as the hospital has specialist and experienced doctors.

I want to tell all girls that fistula is something that can be treated; and that after the surgery they have a reason to have a great future once again. Fistula does not hold us down. So I am telling them “that they are welcome to the fistula hospital for treatment.”

I want to thank World Vision. When I was referred here, I did not have money. World Vision paid all the expenses including food and accommodation. Till now, women who are referred here are treated for free. I am grateful to World Vision.

Since 2008, World Vision with support from World Vision Korea has been working closely with community networks, local partners and the Borama fistula hospital to support women and girls suffering fistula in Togdheer region, Somaliland. The intervention addresses the medical aspect but also the underlying societal and economic factors that promote fistula. After the surgery, through partners, World Vision offers not only psychosocial counseling but also offers an opportunity for the girls and women to start income generating activites once they reintegrate into the society.