Project for Women: Surgical Care and Training for Fistula Management in Gitega, Burundi
From 24 to 28 November 2025, 2nd CHANCE conducted a specialised surgical workshop in Gitega, Burundi, as part of its Project for Women, focusing on the management of fistula and other conditions affecting the posterior perineum.
Fistula can have profound consequences for women’s health, dignity and quality of life. Through Project for Women, 2nd CHANCE works to improve access to specialised surgical care while strengthening local and regional capacity to provide this care over time.
A dual objective: Treat and Train
The mission had two complementary objectives: to provide surgical care to women in need and to strengthen local surgical skills through practical training.
During the workshop, 11 women underwent surgery, receiving specialised care for conditions related to fistula. A few days after their procedures, the patients were reported to be doing well — an encouraging reminder of the importance of access to appropriate surgical care.
At the same time, 7 healthcare professionals took part in the training, contributing to the development and sharing of surgical skills in the region. The training brought together participants from several African countries, including Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Guinea and Tanzania.
Rather than focusing only on a single mission, 2nd CHANCE’s approach is designed to support the development of skills that can remain within local health systems. Training is therefore an essential part of the work: by sharing knowledge and practical experience, we contribute to strengthening the capacity of healthcare teams to manage complex reconstructive conditions.
A multidisciplinary mission
The workshop brought together a multidisciplinary team, combining surgical, anaesthesia and nursing expertise, as well as medical students from HUG.
The mission was supported by Pr Frederic Ris, Dr Gonzalo Soto, Dr Lionel Dumont, Richard Yamuremye, Jean Daniel Junod, Maelle Begnaud and Adélaïde Hilfiker, alongside the local hospital teams in Gitega.
Their combined expertise and close collaboration were essential throughout the mission — from the preparation and surgical procedures to patient care and training.
Project for Women
The Gitega workshop was part of 2nd CHANCE’s Project for Women, a programme dedicated to improving access to specialised surgical care for women affected by conditions that can severely affect their health and quality of life.
In 2025, the programme included three surgical missions in Addis Ababa, Mwanza and Gitega, training healthcare professionals while providing surgical care to women in need. Across these missions, 18 gynaecologists-obstetricians were trained.
The programme reflects a central principle of 2nd CHANCE: care and capacity building must go hand in hand. Providing surgery today matters, but strengthening the skills of healthcare professionals is what helps make specialised care more accessible in the future.
A collective effort
A mission like this is only possible through the commitment of many people working together.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to:
- The entire Gitega hospital team, for their welcome, professionalism and commitment to patient care.
- Our 2nd CHANCE collaborators and volunteer medical teams, for their dedication throughout the mission.
- The coordinators and everyone involved in the organisation of the workshop, whose work made it possible for the team, participants and patients to come together under the best possible conditions.
- Our donors and supporters, whose trust makes these missions possible.
Every workshop is an opportunity to treat patients, share expertise and strengthen local capacity.
Together, we are working towards a future where every woman affected by fistula can access the specialised care she needs and regain health, dignity and the opportunity to move forward with her life.
Treat. Train. Build sustainable capacity.
