UNFPA chief calls to end fistula within a generation

UNFPA executive director Dr Babatunde Osotimehin has urged everyone to work to end obstetric fistula within a generation.

Senior Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 23 May 2016, 07:11 PM
Updated : 23 May 2016, 07:11 PM

He made the appeal on Monday, which was observed as the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula.

Fistula usually occurs when a woman goes through obstructed labour, which if not properly treated, can cause a hole between the vagina and bladder, leaving her with an incontinent bladder and bowel.

It is almost exclusively a condition of the poorest, most vulnerable and most marginalised women and girls, afflicting those lacking access to timely, high-quality, and life-saving maternal health care.

Osotimehin, in a statement said, “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.”

The theme of this year’s International Day to End Obstetric Fistula “End fistula within a generation”, is a call to transform the world.

“As we talk about ending polio, HIV/AIDS, female genital mutilation and so many other forms of suffering, so must we commit to stepping up our efforts to end fistula, once and for all,” the UNFPA chief said.

This means heeding the call of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of leaving no one behind, especially those most neglected, invisible and powerless, including the women and girls living with fistula.

“Now is the time, and I am confident we can do it,” he said, adding that for UNFPA, ending fistula “remains one of our highest priorities”.