In October, our parish had the privilege of welcoming Fr Edward Flynn, C.S.Sp., and his colleague Eirene Carson, a midwife with over 40 years of experience in the UK’s National Health Service. Their visit to Malawi focused on learning about local efforts in addressing obstetric fistula and promoting awareness of its prevention.
While in Lilongwe, Fr Flynn and Eirene were hosted by the Medical Missionaries of Mary (MMM). Their visit included discussions with local medical and pastoral teams on the condition’s human and spiritual dimensions. They also visited Mzuzu, Kasina, Balaka, Zomba and Blantyre in addition to Lilongwe.
“Our aim,” Fr Flynn explained, “was to learn about the situation regarding obstetric fistula and to draw attention to the issue of prevention. People may have heard of the condition, but what remains a challenge is the stigma and isolation that women who live with fistula continue to face.”
Obstetric fistula is a childbirth injury that occurs when prolonged or obstructed labour leads to a tear between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum. The condition causes chronic incontinence and can lead to the loss of a baby, infertility, and deep emotional trauma. While it is preventable and treatable, thousands of women in Africa continue to live with it in silence due to stigma, shame, and lack of access to maternal care.
The Safebirth4all coalition (www.safebirth4all.org) is based in Dublin with – AMRI, MMMs, Misean Cara and Rights Proof as its founding members. Some members do advocacy work at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva from time to time. The initiative raises awareness about obstetric fistula as a human rights issue and engages faith communities in prevention and compassion-based response. Through this partnership, the World Council of Churches produced a guide for congregations titled A Guide for Churches on the Prevention of Obstetric Fistula, which encourages churches to speak out against stigma and promote access to safe childbirth.
Fr Flynn highlighted that Malawi is already taking positive steps, with a dedicated fistula repair centre at Bwaila Hospital in Lilongwe and fistula repair services available in some district hospitals. However, he stressed that prevention and community education are key.
“This is a preventable condition,” he said. “Our work is not about funding or projects—it is about standing with those who are suffering, raising awareness, and ensuring that no woman is left behind.”
The parish community joins the SafeBirth4All and partners in praying for healing, dignity, and justice for all women affected by obstetric fistula—and for continued awareness that leads to prevention, inclusion, and care.