Urogynaecologist transforming women’s health in Limpopo
Dr Dakalo Muavha, South Africa's first black urogynaecologist, is revolutionising women’s health with advanced care and compassion.
POLOKWANE – Dr Muavha is the first black urogynaecologist in South Africa to establish the first urogynaecology hub in Limpopo, he is also a multi-award winner, including the Batho Pele Award for best researcher in 2022 and the inaugural LIPA Award for Leadership in Health.
Dr Dakalo Muavha, a 40-year-old urogynaecologist works as a Head of the Clinical Unit in obstetrics and gynaecology at Pietersburg Hospital and also a chairperson of Limpopo Obstetrics Response Team (LORT).
Dr Muavha’s passion was reinforced by meeting a woman from a nearby village who had suffered from urinary incontinence for over 10 years following chemoradiation for cervical cancer.
“After hearing me speak on a radio program, she insisted on being referred to Pietersburg Hospital, we operated her successfully and the excitement on her face was priceless,” he said.
Dr Muavha said that he commonly treats pelvic organ prolapse, urinary and faecal incontinence, and overactive bladder, conditions that can severely impact a woman’s quality of life which are often underreported due to stigma.
“I also manage cases of multi-fibroid uterus using advanced keyhole surgery (laparoscopy) to remove even large fibroids.”
He highlighted that one of the challenging cases he faced was a patient who had been suffering from a chronic pelvic pain and urinary incontinence for over eight years, who had been medically boarded by the Department of Education (she was a professional teacher) and her pension was nearly depleted from years of medical bills.
“She had undergone several surgeries including cholecystectomy, appendicectomy, hysterectomy and ovarian cyst removal, yet none providing lasting relief. I discovered that she had painful bladder syndrome, so I gave her the correct treatment and since then she has been pain-free for the past years,” remarked Dr Muavha.
Dr Muavha noted that urogynaecological issues can have a profound impact on women’s mental health often leading to feelings of embarrassment, isolation and even depression.
“The decision between surgical and non-surgical treatment depends on the severity of the condition the patient’s symptoms and their personal preferences hence I go thorough consultation to understand my patients needs and concerns,” he said.
He added that the procedure he frequently performs is total laparoscopic hysterectomy for patients suffering from abnormal uterine bleeding.
“It allows us to remove even large womb through small incisions, offering faster recovery, less postoperative pain and minimal scarring compared to open surgery.”
Dr Muavha encourages aspiring urogynaecologist to remain curious, compassionate and committed. “This field requires not only technical expertise but also a deep sense of empathy for the women we serve. Stay up-to-date with the latest research and medical advancement, urogynaecologist is a rewarding field where you can make a profound difference in women’s lives by restoring both their physical health and dignity,” concluded Dr Muavha.
