According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 50,000 to 100,000 women worldwide are affected by obstetric fistula annually. Obstetric fistula, an abnormal opening between a woman’s genital tract and her urinary tract or rectum, results in constant incontinence, shame, social segregation and health problems. More than 2 million young women live with untreated obstetric fistula in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. This condition can largely be avoided/prevented by:
International Day to End Obstetric Fistula is to raise awareness and intensify actions towards ending obstetric fistula, as well as urging post-surgery follow-up and tracking of fistula patients.