Eliminate fistula by 2030 through prevention, treatment, social reintegration of survivors.



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.

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