For Akoberani Veronica, a 33-year-old teacher and mother of three from Buyende District, life changed drastically after a complicated cesarean delivery at Kamuli District Hospital. The procedure left her with an obstetric fistula—an injury she hadn’t known existed until she experienced it herself.
Veronica was referred to Uganda’s National Referral Hospital in Mulago for further treatment, but the cost of travel and care placed healing far out of reach. “The financial burden was insurmountable,” she recalls. “My hope began to dwindle.”
For three months, she lived with uncontrolled urine leakage, enduring daily discomfort, painful infections, and deep emotional wounds. “Fistula-related stigma led to feelings of shame, isolation, and low self-esteem,” she shares. “I avoided social interactions, fearing ridicule and rejection—even at my job as a teacher.”
Then, one day, Veronica heard a UVP radio advertisement about free treatment for fistula. She reached out immediately and was soon connected with a care team. Thanks to the support she received through UVP, Veronica underwent a successful repair.
Now on the road to recovery, she is looking forward to returning to her students—and to a life where she can stand tall again. “I hope to have a bright future, supporting my family and resuming my teaching job,” she says with hope.
Veronica is also determined to give back: “I take this opportunity to thank UVP and the entire team for the support toward my healing. I promise to advocate for fistula awareness. I will always share my story to inspire other women to seek help when they have the same condition.”