of women with fistula.
Following the Regional Fistula Conference (Lahore, March) that brought together 350 participants from across Pakistan and neighbouring countries, a series of advocacy seminars have taken place in Baluchistan (May 3) and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (May 28). The events are bringing together, over 480 participants including key officials from department of health, MNCH Programme, National Programme for Primary Health Care, President of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Pakistan, health care providers, civil society representatives, volunteers, families, media and development partners to discuss the prevention, treatment and social reintegration of fistula for Pakistan’s women and girls.
This International Fistula Day appreciates the courage and willpower of fistula survivors. Women like Razia from Punjab whose husband died in the road traffic accident when she was six months pregnant. She developed recto-vaginal and vesico-vaginal fistula while delivering a dead baby in 2007. “I was disowned by in-laws and with my parents support I went to the UNFPA-supported Fistula Hospital in Karachi for treatment and emotional healing. I became dry after series of repeated complex fistula surgeries,” said Razia. She got married and adopted a two year-old baby and living a normal life with dignity. Razia has become a good-will ambassador and representing Pakistan at the World Health Assembly side-event on Fistula in Geneva on May 22 to celebrate the International Fistula Day 2015 with the world.
The global Campaign to End Fistula, launched in 2003 by UNFPA and partners, has catalyzed progress towards eliminating fistula through its three-pronged strategy of prevention, treatment and social reintegration. Over the last 8 years, the collective efforts of the UNFPA’s campaign have surgically treated more than 4,100 fistula cases, rehabilitated over 550 fistula patients and trained around 1,000 health professionals to treat and manage fistula and obstetric complications.
Yet, the continued prevalence of fistula is a clear signal that enough is not yet being done to protect the lives and health of women.