International Day to End Obstetric Fistula

About 800 women die from pregnancy, or childbirth-related complications around the world every day.  For every woman who dies of maternal related causes, it is estimated that at least 20 women experience a maternal morbidity, one of the most severe forms of which is obstetric fistula. Obstetric fistula is an abnormal opening between a woman’s genital tract and her urinary tract, or rectum caused by prolonged, obstructed labour without treatment. Between 50,000 to 100,000 new cases develop worldwide each year. Most fistulas occur among women living in poverty, in cultures where a woman’s status and self-esteem may depend almost entirely on her marriage and ability to bear children. Yet fistula is almost entirely preventable. Its persistence is a sign that health systems are failing to meet women’s essential needs. Obstetric fistula symptoms generally manifest in the early post-partum period. Other, equally severe symptoms, such as psychological trauma, deteriorating health, increa...

Resolution A/RES/73/147 on the intensification of efforts to end obstetric fistula calls upon States and the international community to accelerate actions to end fistul a and reiterates the need for urgent efforts and significantly increased investment to improve maternal health by addressing sexual and reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health. The document further outlines key recommendations and actions, and calls for the development of a Global Road Map to End Fistula within a decade. The General Assembly,  Recalling its resolutions 62/138 of 18 December 2007, 63/158 of 18 December 2008, 65/188 of 21 December 2010 and 67/147 of 20 December 2012 on supporting efforts to end obstetric fistula and its resolutions 69/148 of 18 December 2014 and 71/169 of 19 December 2016 on the intensification of efforts to end obstetric fistula, Reaffirming the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, 1 the outcomes of the twenty-third special session of the General Assembly, entitle...

Obstetric fistula  is a medical condition in which a hole develops in the birth canal as a result of childbirth. This can be between the vagina and rectum,  Risk factors include  obstructed labor , poor access to medical care,  malnutrition , and  teenage pregnancy .  The underlying mechanism is  poor blood flow  to the affected area for a prolonged period of time.   Diagnosis is generally based on symptoms and may be supported by use of  methylene blue .  Obstetric fistula are almost entirely preventable with appropriate use of cesarean section . Treatment is typically by surgery. If treated early, the use of a urinary catheter may help with healing. Counseling may also be useful

Resolution  A/RES/67/147  on supporting efforts to end obstetric fistula.