What We Are Doing
Photo Credit: Rose Sulentic
None of us are free until all of us are free from obstetric fistula.
Multiple non-government and government agencies are working to end obstetric fistula. Much of the work is unfortunately uncoordinated. Some of my favorite organizations that are doing incredible work and could use your support are the following:
FIGO
The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics is training surgeons in fistula-burdened countries so that more women have access to repairs by skilled surgeons. (Obstetric fistula repair is a specialized surgery that takes intensive training to learn.)
Freedom From Fistula
Freedom From Fistula is running surgical centers where women can access free surgery from world-class surgeons.
Operation Fistula
Operation Fistula is using technology to find women with fistulas and get them to surgeons.
UNFPA Campaign to End Fistula
United Nation’s Population Fund’s (UNFPA) Campaign to End Fistula continues to bring the issue of obstetric fistula to the global stage and push for change.
Preventing obstetric fistulas will happen as a by-product of improving women’s health care in each place where fistulas still exist. Improving women’s rights, enhancing access to medical care including contraception and safe family planning, and making childbirth safe will all eliminate new cases of obstetric fistula. In the meantime, it is necessary to get women access to surgery if they already have a fistula in order to close the gap and end fistula.
The United Nations has made it a goal to end fistula by 2030.
Are we willing to do it?
Photo Credit: Justine Forrest
The United Nations has made it a goal to end fistula by 2030.
Are we willing to do it?
Photo Credit: Justine Forrest
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