The United Nations Population Fund or UNFPA, says ending fistula globally remains one of its highest priorities, pledging to continue to accelerate efforts, both in its own work and within the United Nations system to terminate the scourge that has affected many women around the world.
The pledge is contained in a statement released today, Monday, 23 May by United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UNFPA, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin in New York, to commemorate the annual International Day to End Obstetric Fistula, as designated by the United Nations General Assembly.
He said obstetric fistula is almost exclusively a condition of the poorest, most vulnerable and most marginalized women and girls, adding that it afflicts those who lack access to the timely, high-quality, and life-saving maternal health care that they so desperately need and deserve, and that is their basic human right.
“As a doctor myself and, most importantly, father to four beloved daughters, I am personally outraged that fistula, which is wholly preventable, still occurs in today’s world”, Dr. Osotimehin expressed.
He however acknowledged that the global Campaign to End Fistula, launched in 2003 by UNFPA and partners, has made significant progress towards eliminating fistula and supporting its survivors through prevention, treatment, social reintegration and advocacy.
He disclosed that UNFPA has supported more than 70,000 fistula repair surgeries for women and girls in need, and Campaign partners have enabled many more to receive treatment.
“Yet, far more remains to be done. We cannot give up until every woman and girl has the preventive care she needs. We cannot give up until every single woman and girl living with fistula has been treated. We cannot give up until every fistula survivor receives the social reintegration and support services she needs to rebuild her life, reclaim her dignity, and restore her hope and dreams for the future.”
This year’s celebration marking International Day to End Obstetric Fistula is being held on the theme, “End fistula within a generation”.
ABOUT OBSTETRIC FISTULA
Obstetric fistula is one of the most serious and tragic injuries that can occur during childbirth. It is a hole between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum caused by prolonged, obstructed labour without treatment.
The condition typically leaves women incontinent, and as a result they are often shunned by their communities. Sufferers often endure depression, social isolation and deepening poverty. Many women live with the condition for years – or even decades – because they cannot afford to obtain treatment.
An estimated 2 million women in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, the Arab region, and Latin America and the Caribbean are living with this injury, and some 50,000 to 100,000 new cases develop each year. Yet fistula is almost entirely preventable. Its persistence is a sign that health systems are failing to meet women’s essential needs.
In its resolution A/RES/67/147, the General Assembly calls on the international community to use the International Day to significantly raise awareness and intensify actions towards ending obstetric fistula.
aaron@ugchristiannews.com
