Sisters-in-law Elizabeth Amer and Ayaar Akuch are married to two brothers and live close to one another in their hometown of Akot. They recently discovered that they had more than relatives in common – and flew with MAF together for surgery.
Story by Jenny Davies
36-year-old Elizabeth heard from her grown-up daughter that there was going to be a surgeon operating in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, to repair obstetric fistulas.
“The announcement on the radio said that women who suffer with problems after childbirth should come for surgery. She told me, and this is how I got the information,” she said.
Wife and mother Elizabeth, who is also a community leader and pastor, has given birth to seven children in hospital, enabled by four previous obstetric fistula repairs.
The last repair surgery was carried out three years ago and had unfortunately failed, requiring a further surgery.
As Elizabeth prepared to travel to Juba for surgery, she discussed her plans with her family.
“When I told them I was going for an operation, they asked me why I was going, and I told them. My sister, Ayaar, said to me, ‘This has happened to me too!’”
Ayaar’s problem began the previous year, when she was giving birth to her ninth child.
“When I was in labour, my husband went to call for the midwife,” she said. “But before they could come back the baby came out. He called one of the older children to come and help his mother deliver the baby. It was during this delivery that the fistula happened. It happened because the son who was helping her isn’t a midwife and didn’t know how to help.”
Ayaar and Elizabeth believe that the condition they share is widespread amongst other women they know – although obstetric fistula is rarely talked about in the community.
“The condition is very common,” Elizabeth said. “Those women are many! As we were coming, we got calls from other women who wanted to come. There are very many there. Some that are wives to our relatives.
I am looking forward to going home tomorrow on the MAF plane. We are thankful for the work that you do. May God always be with MAF so you can provide such help to other South Sudanese. When there is a need, He will provide!
“The problem is that there is a stigma attached to this condition. People will not tell you even if they have it. They keep it secret. Even we didn’t discuss it between us, as sisters-in-law.”
Distance, insecurity and poor road conditions are barriers that prevent women getting the specialist surgery they need. Elizabeth is thankful that MAF is able to help overcome these barriers.
“I am happy for the work that MAF are doing and that you have chosen to help people by providing planes. It would be hard for people to be transported by car. Sometimes people that try to reach Juba by car don’t make it,” she said.
Elizabeth, a pastor in the Episcopal Church of South Sudan, and Ayaar, an active church member, are returning to their community with a powerful testimony of the care they have received – to share with other women they know.
“Some of my relatives were telling me, don’t go for an operation! You might catch another sickness while you are there in the hospital!
“But I said, this hospital is close to the church and close to God. I am happy to be there. God’s work is there. They will do it. These people came from outside, they are well trained, and they know how to do this. That is why I accepted it.
“Now it is done successfully, all is okay. I am happy!” Elizabeth said.
“I am looking forward to going home tomorrow on the MAF plane. We are thankful for the work that you do. May God always be with MAF so you can provide such help to other South Sudanese. When there is a need, He will provide!”