STOP
The STOP Programme prevents obstetric fistula, links survivors to treatment and strengthens inclusive maternal health services in Namayingo District. Through community dialogue, disability-inclusive referrals, male engagement, radio programming and maternal death surveillance, the programme mobilises communities and local systems to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.
Supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Background & Need
The Survivors Treatment and Obstetric Fistula Prevention (STOP) Programme is a three-year initiative in Namayingo District that prevents obstetric fistula, improves referral and treatment access, and supports survivors to rebuild their lives with dignity.
Obstetric fistula is both a maternal health and social justice concern — survivors may face delayed treatment, stigma, gender-based violence and exclusion. In island and hard-to-reach communities, transport barriers and reliance on Traditional Birth Attendants can further delay skilled care.
Implemented by Naguru Teenage Centre, MSU and ACORD Uganda, with funding from the Embassy of Iceland through UNFPA, STOP combines community mobilisation, male engagement, disability inclusion and stronger maternal and perinatal death surveillance.
Objectives
Overall goal: reduced maternal morbidity and mortality.
- Increase access to obstetric fistula prevention, referral and treatment services across Namayingo District.
- Support fistula survivors to reintegrate into society as empowered, self-reliant individuals.
- Address the stigma and gender-based violence frequently experienced by survivors.
- Strengthen the health system through maternal and perinatal death surveillance and response (MPDSR).
Target Groups
- Women living with obstetric fistula and survivors requiring treatment, referral and reintegration support.
- Pregnant women and women of reproductive age needing maternal health, family planning, HIV and GBV information and services.
- Persons with disabilities facing barriers to SRHR, maternal health and fistula services.
- Men engaged as allies through Male Action Groups and positive-masculinity activities.
- Health workers, CHEWs, VHTs, peer educators, Women Mentors, and cultural, religious and district leaders.
Areas of Implementation
Namayingo District, Uganda, with activity centred on Buswale, Lolwe, Mutumba Town Council and Buhemba. Survivors are linked to surgical camps at Buyinja Health Centre IV.
Major Activities
- Midwife-led dialogues on birth preparedness, danger signs, early antenatal care and fistula prevention.
- MPDSR dialogues and confidential inquiries into maternal deaths, near-miss cases and obstructed labour.
- Awareness through the 30-episode Esanyu Lya Maama radio drama, radio talk shows and survivor drama groups.
- Male Action Groups, Women Mentors and community champions promoting positive norms and referrals.
- Disability-inclusion training, community mapping and referral of persons with disabilities.
- Advocacy with Busoga Kingdom, cultural and religious leaders, district departments and health facilities.
Key Achievements
- 40 stakeholders oriented on maternal health and fistula; 30 health workers, CHEWs and VHTs trained on disability inclusion.
- 12 Male Action Groups established, reaching 287 men (97% of target).
- 30 cultural and religious leaders trained in SRHR; two of four advocacy forums completed.
- Five MPDSR dialogues held (125% of target), reaching 110 stakeholders (137% of target); four confidential inquiries conducted.
- 10 women's groups reached 470 women with integrated SRHR information (188% of target).
- 26 of 30 Esanyu Lya Maama radio episodes aired; three of four Busoga Kingdom advocacy meetings held.
- A male community champion in Buswale identified and referred seven fistula survivors to surgical camps at Buyinja Health Centre IV within his first three months.
