Nursing Faculty Travel to Malawi
International research collaboration supports young girls and women with obstetric complications.
University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Nursing Assistant Professor Dr. Jodie Bigalky (PhD) and doctoral candidate April Mackey travelled to Malawi to conduct research for their project focusing on fistula repair programs and the support young women and girls receive post-surgery.
“We're working to uncover essential components of fistula repair programs worldwide, explore Malawi's unique approach and community outreach, and understand patients' needs for recovery, learning, and empowerment,” said Mackey.
Front entrance of Fistula Care Centre in Malawi. Credit: Submitted.
“During a trip to Lilongwe, Malawi in 2023, we had the privilege of meeting with patients and program director at the Fistula Care Centre. Touring the facility left us deeply humbled and inspired by the resilience of the girls and women facing the immense challenges of living with an obstetric fistula.”
Obstetric fistulas are devastating conditions caused by prolonged labor, resulting in a hole between the urinary or gastrointestinal tract and the genital tract.
“In collaboration with our partners in Malawi, we recognized an urgent need to improve the quality of life for girls and young women affected by obstetric fistulas. Through understanding global programs and the existing efforts in Malawi, an opportunity exists to identify specific needs of adolescents and young women as they reintegrate into their communities after fistula repair.”
Cooking the deep fried bread, Mandasi, during a cooking class offered at the Fistula Care Centre. Credit: Submitted.
“By far our favourite memory from our trip to Malawi was while working with women at the Fistula Care Centre we attended a cooking class – which is one of the skills provided by the centre to help women reintegrate back into the community. We stood outside and watched the women make Mandasi, a delicious, deep-fried bread, while the women sang to us about how joyful they were to learn this new skill. Both of us were smiling ear to ear, inspired by their strength and humbled to have been a part of it.”
Dr. Bigalky and Mackey hope their research helps them in the international mission to tackle global health challenges.
(l to r) Research collaborator Dr. Annie Namathanga (PhD), Dr. Jodie Bigalky (PhD), April Mackey (BSN'12, MN'19),
and surgeon Dr. Ennet Chipungu (MD). Credit: Submitted.
“As researchers from the global north, we are committed to building partnerships with our counterparts and community collaborators in the global south, in line with Sustainable Development Goal #17. Our aim is to tackle global health challenges, including obstetric fistula, through collaborative international efforts and shared expertise.”
Together, we will undertake the research the world needs. We invite you to join by supporting critical research at USask.