Fighting fistulas

An international campaign to end fistula - a pregnancy related disability - has chalked up significant gains in only three years, say organisers, the United Nation’s Population Fund (UNFPA).

Some 35 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and the Arab region have signed up to the campaign to end fistulas by 2015 and this once shameful subject is coming out into the open.

Obstetric fistula affects more than two million girls and women in less-developed countries worldwide. A fistula is a direct result of a traumatic delivery which rips the woman’s body leaving her incontinent and in some cases, infertile. Often the child dies.

Part of the problem is non-access to medical support during labour, says Angela Walker, UNFPA’s Regional Information Adviser for Africa. But another issue is the practice of marrying girls young.

“Pregnancy problems are exacerbated when a young woman becomes pregnant before her body is mature enough, then labour can be obstructed,” said Walker.

The UNFPA campaign seeks to extend treatment to women who are already damaged. They also want to protect future generations of women by increasing access to trained midwives and discouraging the practice of marrying girls off young.

“Our strategy has been to involve religious leaders and other community heads as they can communicate the message more effectively,” said Walker, adding “We have had a positive response in both Christian and Muslim communities.”

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To read a previous IRIN report about fistula, CLICK HERE