International Day to End Obstetric Fistula

 A. Major global initiatives  The implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development, adopted in 1994, contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It is stated in the Programme that “the human rights of women and the girl child are an inalienable, integral and indivisible part of universal human rights”, as well as the right to attain the highest standard of sexual and reproductive health. It calls for the elimination of all practices that discriminate against women and the advancement of gender equality and equity and the empowerment of women. Achieving universal access to sexual and reproductive health care and fulfilling the reproductive rights of individuals remain an unmet goal, with millions left behind. In 2021, the High-level Commission for the 25-year review of the implementation of the Programme of Action assessed progress made with regard to 12 global commitments made at the 25-y...

According to an African proverb, “the sun should not rise or set twice on a labouring woman”. Unfortunately for an estimated half a million women and girls across sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, the Arab States region and Latin America and the Caribbean, childbirth lasted much longer than this proverb warns against – with devastating consequences. Prolonged, obstructed labour can lead to maternal death, stillbirth, and a severe injury called obstetric fistula. The condition causes incontinence and leaves women susceptible to both physical ailments like infection and infertility, as well as mental health issues driven by social stigma and ostracization. For twenty years, UNFPA has led the global Campaign to End Fistula , which aims to eliminate fistula by 2030 through prevention, treatment, social reintegration of survivors and advocacy programming.