News

UN calls for intensified efforts to end fistula

calendar_today23 December 2014

Fistula survivors who have recently received treatment now participate in a livelihood programme in National Center for Fistula Treatment, N'Djamena, Chad. The programme aims to successfully reintegrate survivors into their communities. © UNFPA/Ollivier Girard
1

Publisher

UNFPA

Publication date

2013

Author

UNFPA

Resources

Good Practices on Ending the Health and Human Rights Tragedy of Obstetric Fistula

Campaign to End Fistula

Obstetric fistula is a severe morbidity caused when a woman or girl suffers from prolonged obstructed labour without timely access to emergency obstetric care, notably a Caesarean section. The sustained pressure of the baby’s head on the mother’s pelvic bone damages her soft tissues, creating a hole – or fistula – between the vagina and the bladder and/or rectum. In most cases, the baby is stillborn or dies soon after birth, and the woman suffers a devastating injury – a fistula - that renders her incontinent. 
 

Publication date

2004

Author

UNFPA

Resources

Report of the Africa Regional Fistula Meeting

Accra, Ghana, 29 June – 1 July 2004

1

Publisher

UNFPA

Publication date

2001

Author

UNFPA, Columbia University, FIGO

Resources

Report on the Meeting for the Prevention & Treatment of Obstetric Fistula

London -- 2001

This report reviews the first meeting of international fistula experts in London in July 2001, which launched this initiative and focused on concrete actions to alleviate the suffering of affected women. It is our sincerest hope that together we can work to make fistula as rare in Africa and in all developing countries as it is in the industrialized world. We know that new partners will join us in this worthwhile initiative.

Publication date

2007

Author

UNFPA. Family Care International

Resources

Living Testimony: Obstetric Fistula and Inequities in Maternal Health

1

Publication date

May 2014

Author

UNFPA

Resources

Neglected no more - Fact sheet

Ending Fistula

Video

Back to life: Promoting the reintegration of fistula survivors in Liberia

calendar_today11 May 2013

Back to life: Promoting the reintegration of fistula survivors in Liberia

Back to life: Promoting the reintegration of fistula survivors in Liberia

Several initiatives in Liberia aim to empower fistula survivors.

Video

End the Shame. End the Isolation. End Fistula.

calendar_today20 May 2013

End the Shame. End the Isolation. End Fistula.

End the Shame. End the Isolation. End Fistula.

1

Video

From Despair to Dignity: One woman's struggle with Fistula

calendar_today20 May 2013

From Despair to Dignity: One woman's struggle with Fistula

From Despair to Dignity: One woman's struggle with Fistula

Countries around the world will mark the inaugural  International Day to End Obstetric Fistula on 23 May 2013 in an effort to raise support and awareness of a devastating injury that can occur during childbirth. This is the story of 16-year-old Essitia Mulhanga and her road to recovery.
Produced by Guy Hubbard for UNPFA/UNTV

Video

Delivering Hope - Campaign to End Fistula

calendar_today24 April 2007

Delivering Hope - Campaign to End Fistula

Delivering Hope - Campaign to End Fistula

This new 5-minute film - available to NGOs and community groups - features Nigerian fistula surgeon Dr. Zubairu Iliyasu and Natalie Imbruglia, a spokesperson for the Global Campaign to End Fistula.
 
------------
For more information visit
------------
.