More than 20 women who were registered in Northern Bahr al-Ghazal State for fistula operations have declined to show up.

The surgeries were to be conducted in Wau, the capital of the neighboring Western Bahr al-Ghazal State.

The women were asked to gather at Aweil Hospital, from where they would be transported to Wau by the state health authorities and partners.

40 women were registered, but as of last evening, only 18 women were available.

“I spoke to some patients and they told me it was difficult to make it to Aweil because they have been told several times and they have been coming to Aweil for a follow up of their cases,” reported Abraham Agoth, Eye Radio Stringer in Aweil.

“They say they were almost frustrated to follow up their treatment in Wau.”

It’s the responsibility of the state ministry of health to transport the women to Wau, according to an agreement they signed with the United Nations Population Fund, which is facilitation the fistula treatments.

However, the ministry says it doesn’t have money to carry out its role.

“I spoke to health officials who declined to be named, and he told me that it has not been easy for the ministry to gather some money to facilitate their [women] movements from the various counties.”

Fistula is a condition in which a hole develops between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum.

It may result from a prolonged labor. Women with this condition find it difficult to control the wastes.