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. It leaves women leaking urine, faeces or both, and over time, it leads to chronic medical problems. Sufferers also often endure depression, social isolation and deepening poverty.
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.
UNFPA provides medical supplies, training and funds to fistula prevent, treatment and social reintegration programmes. UNFPA also strengthens maternal health and emergency obstetric services to prevent this injury from occurring in the first place.
Извор: WUNRN – 06.02.2015
