Marking International Day to End Obstetric Fistula

The world marked on May 23rd, for the second time the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula.

This day was designated by the United Nations General Assembly, in 2013. This year also marks the 11th anniversary of the Campaign to End Fistula, which was launched by UNFPA, in collaboration with a wide range of partners.

The theme of this year’s International Day to End Obstetric Fistula, “Tracking Fistula – Transforming Lives,” reflects an important step forward in eradicating obstetric fistula.

The celebration, organized by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with UNFPA, will be held at Umubano Hotel on Friday 23 May 2014 from 9:30am.

The aim of the event is to publicly acknowledge the efforts of government, providers, clients, communities and development partners in ending fistula. The event will also help create awareness of the plight of women suffering from fistula.

Obstetric fistula is a hole in the birth canal typically caused by prolonged labour without prompt emergency care—usually a Caesarean section.

The woman is left with chronic incontinence and, in most cases, her baby is stillborn. Unable to control her flow of urine or faeces, she is often abandoned by her husband and shunned by her community.

“The time has come to put an end to obstetric fistula and address the circumstances that perpetuate it, including poverty, lack of access to health care, child marriage and early childbearing. We have the resources and know-how.

What we need now is the political will to elevate the status of women and girls, rectify inequalities and protect the human rights of every woman and girl, so that fistula may never again undermine a person’s health, well-being, dignity and ability to participate in and contribute to their communities”, said Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, UNFPA Executive Director.