DOVENET COMMEMORATES THE INTERNATIONAL DAY TO END OBSTETRIC FISTULA (IDEOF) 2022
Obstetric fistula is a hole between the birth canal, bladder and/or rectum which is caused by prolonged, obstructed labour without access to timely, high-quality medical treatment. It leaves women with lack of voluntary control over urination or defecation, and usually leads to chronic medical problems, depression, societal isolation and deepening poverty among others.
It is estimated that two million women in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia live with this condition and this number grows by 50,000 to 100, 000 each year (World health organization, 2018). Nigeria records about 1 million women affected by obstetric fistula with about 400,000 untreated cases. Inclusively, United Nations’ International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) reported that Nigerian women currently living with obstetric fistula range from 400,000 to 800,000 and annually, an additional 50,000 to 100,000 new cases occur in the country.
Obstetric fistula is one of the most severe and tragic injuries whose occurrence is a violation of human rights and a reminder of gross inequities. It is preventable and treatable with correct medical assistance. Some identified factors fueling the incidence of obstetric fistula in Nigeria are low economic status, malnutrition, illiteracy, early marriage/childbearing, harmful traditional/cultural practices, and delivery by untrained health attendants.
Daughters of Virtue and Empowerment Initiative (DOVENET) is at the forefront of the fight to put an end to obstetric fistula in Ebonyi state as a critical step towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and realizing the promise of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action as well as the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development. To achieve this, DOVENET is carrying out community sensitization in rural areas and also working with the Government to ensure that policies regarding safe delivery are put in place. This measure is geared towards safeguarding the health of mothers and eliminating the menace of obstetric fistula in Ebonyi state.
The International Day to End to Obstetric Fistula (IDEOF) is observed on the 23rd of May annually to raise awareness of this medical condition and mobilize worldwide support for child-bearing women. UN Member States adopted a resolution to end fistula by 2030. To that end, the theme of this year’s observance is “End Fistula Now: Invest in Quality Healthcare, Empower Communities!”
Obstetric Fistula is not only treatable, but preventable. Join the fight against Obstetric Fistula today! Every woman deserves a life of dignity.
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