Many women have been ostracised because of this complication.
PESHAWAR: International Day to End Obstetric Fistula will be observed in the provincial capital on May 23 (today). A series of events and awareness campaigns have been planned in this regard.
According to a press statement issued on Friday, between 3,000 and 5,000 cases of obstetric fistula are reported in Pakistan every year. This was said at a news conference held at Peshawar Press Club.
Avoidable life sentence
A major complication during childbirth, obstetric fistula is a hole in the birth canal caused by prolonged labour. More often than not, the child is either stillborn or dies within a week. Many women have been ostracised because of this complication.
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has helped over 5,000 women to receive surgical treatment at seven regional centres over the last eight years.
Preventive measures
UNFPA Project Coordinator Muhammad Yasar said the organisation is working towards ensuring the safety of pregnant women.
“The campaign is based on the three key strategies of prevention, treatment and social reintegration of survivors,” stated the press release.
It added, “Pakistan National Forum on Women’s Health is implementing this project all over the country by providing surgical treatment, training doctors and raising awareness about the challenges faced by women who are suffering from fistulas.”
Published in The Express Tribune, May 23rd, 2015.
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