Samuel Shaban: the unsung hero of Busenge village

Samuel Shaban is a community health worker from Busenge, a small village located in Buchosa District, Mwanza, in north-west Tanzania. He is dedicated to supporting the people of his village, especially women who were suffering from obstetric fistula.

Obstetric fistula is a medical condition that affects women who have complications during childbirth. It causes a hole in the birth canal and bladder/urinary tract and/or rectum, which in turn results in urine/faecal incontinence, constant infections, and other related symptoms. The condition is not only painful but can lead to social stigma, isolation, and depression. Sadly, many women in Tanzania lose hope after developing obstetric fistula due to the lack of access to quality medical care. Obstetric fistula is treatable with repair surgery.

Samuel noticed that many women in his community who were affected by this condition did not know what to do or where to seek help. Samuel had received training about Obstetric Fistula through the Amref Health Africa Tanzania, Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation (CCBRT) and Magu Poverty Focus on Older People Rehabilitation Centre (MAPERECE) partnership programme to end obstetric fistula.

With this training, Samuel was able to link the women to Bugando Medical Centre and CCBRT Hospital, where they received the necessary medical care, including surgical repair, and support. The project's efforts have had a significant impact on many women from Mwanza and Geita, helping them to reintegrate socially and economically into their communities and lead better quality lives.

Samuel's work has not gone unnoticed, and his contribution has earned him recognition and respect from his community.