This year's International Day to End Obstetric Fistula is being marked with the theme of “Leaving no one behind: let us commit to ending fistula now”. This underscores the stark reality that failing to eliminate fistula jeopardizes the world’s chances of attaining many of these goals.
In this regard, Executive Director of United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Dr. Natalia Kanem has issued a statement Wednesday stating that obstetric fistula, a childbirth injury caused by prolonged, obstructed labor without prompt medical attention, is silently robbing millions of women and girls of their health, hope and dignity. "The condition often leaves the woman with chronic incontinence and usually results in the death of the child," reads the statement.
According to Natalia, fistula, which has been virtually eliminated in wealthier countries, is a serious human rights violation, a reflection of health systems’ failures, and a tragic sign of global social injustice and inequity.
Since 2003, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), leader of the global Campaign to End Fistula, has, with its partners, supported nearly 100,000 life-transforming surgeries to heal the physical and psychological wounds of fistula survivors.
Saying that it was time we end the needless suffering caused by fistula, in keeping with the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, the UNFPA Executive Director has urged to commit to putting the furthest behind first and ensuring human rights, well-being and dignity for all.
An estimated 200 to 400 women suffer from obstetric fistula every year in Nepal, according to a study by UNFPA in 2011. The global Campaign to End Fistula was launched in Nepal in 2010 by UNFPA in coordination with the
Ministry of Health and Population and other agencies. The campaign has helped recognize obstetric fistula as a public health issue and enabled provision of prevention, treatment, capacity building and advocacy programs.
