To our family, friends, and supporters—most days this blog is about our mission team and the Leyaata staff you’re cheering on. Today, with her permission, it’s about a patient whose courage reminds us why we’re here.
As Dr. Benjamin clasped the hands of CM and her husband and lifted them high in celebration, I snapped the photo. It captured what words struggle to hold: joy restored.
CM’s story, like so many in northern Ghana, is intertwined with poverty. From her small interior village, she couldn’t afford to renew her health insurance. After two days of obstructed labor at home, her baby died before birth—and CM was left with an obstetric fistula, a devastating injury that causes constant leakage and social isolation. Women with fistula are often considered “bewitched” and banished from their families and communities. Too many never learn that it can be treated.
One day, CM arrived at Leyaata—broken and despondent—because she’d heard there might be a doctor who could help.
That doctor was Dr. Benjamin Asubiojo. Supported by NEA through his training from general practice to obstetrics and gynecology, Dr. Benjamin now serves as Leyaata’s Medical Director. During his training, he had an opportunity to participate in a specialized course in fistula care—preparation for days like this.
When Leyaata Hospital was commissioned in August 2022, a team of Ghana Health Partners helped unpack a shipment from Medical Aid International (UK). Brenda will never forget Dr. Benjamin’s shout as he opened one box:
“Fistula kits! They sent fistula kits!”
Surprised, Brenda checked her records. No one had requested them—but God knew who was coming.
Last week, CM received surgery at Leyaata. She recovered for ten days, and today, she went home.
Because healing is more than surgical repair, Dr. Benjamin asked Dr. Avorka (Leyaata) and Dr. Sue (GHP, mental health/psychotherapy) to support CM and her husband, who had returned after months of separation. This was Dr. Benjamin’s first fistula case to receive psychotherapy—a milestone for holistic care here.
“It takes an interdisciplinary team to make a fistula patient complete,” Dr. Benjamin told us. “We must approach this holistically.”
His dream is for fistula patients to receive not only medical, spiritual, and emotional care, but also vocational training during their stay—so reintegration comes with dignity and income.
Friends, you are part of the team that made this moment possible. Your prayers, your support for GRID/NEA, and your encouragement of this team—this is the fruit.
This picture says it all.
Hope and joy restored.
Dignity reclaimed.
Love made visible.
“My dignity is restored. I will be forever joyful.” — CM(though a translator)
Caption: CM, Dr. Asubiojo, CM’s husband (photo taken and shared with permission)
DR. JENNIFER WILSON
MD, CCFP (EM), FCFP, DIM&PH, MPH (FCM) CSGH
Director of International Partnerships Canadian Consultant for Family & Emergency Medicine
Leyaata Hospital, Carpenter, Ghana
DISCLAIMER: This content is intended as updates shared to Ghana Health Partners’ Team Updates subscribers only and should not be shared with anyone.
Judith Gooding says
“…but God knew who was coming.”
This story is joyful and encouraging.
Graham Wilson says
Amazing story about the wonderful work of the Leyaata staff and their Health Partners! Thanks for the great update!
Christine Harding says
Thank you for the update. This story starts, as so many do, with the help of NEA’s support in success stories. So great that CM has been treated to be able to live, as a woman, a true wholesome life.