Women with fistula often live in rural communities in Uganda. Some may not even be aware that they are suffering from a known, treatable condition - they simply believe that they are cursed.
#EndFistula#EndShame#EndSuffering#EndIsolation
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Did you know?
Obstetric fistula is a hole in the birth canal caused by protracted, obstructed labour. Left untreated, it can lead to infection, disease, and infertility.
#EndFistula
On this International Day to End Obstetric Fistula, @UNFPAUganda stands with every woman & girl who has faced pain, isolation & shame.
Providing quality fistula repair surgery, rehabilitation & social reintegration is key to restoring dignity, one woman at a time. #EndFistula
Digital advocacy presents an innovative and cost-effective opportunity to complement existing interventions.
We remain committed to this cause and look forward to the possibility of collaboration with the Gov't & International & Civil Society Organizations.
#EndFistula
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Obstetric Fistula Key details in Uganda (UDHS, 2022)
• Prevalence: 0.6%.
• Estimated Burden: Roughly 74,000 women are estimated to be living with obstetric fistula.
• Annual New Cases: ~1,900.
• Key Driver: Prolonged or obstructed labor.
#EndFistula
Obstetric fistula in Uganda represents a significant maternal health challenge, with approximately 1,900 new cases occurring annually.
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Treatment and Care: While injuries are repairable, many women do not access treatment due to low awareness or lack of resources. Free treatment is available at Mulago National Referral Hospital and five regional referral hospitals, often supported by surgical camps.
#EndFistula
What you need to know about Obstetric Fistula in Uganda include;
Prevalence: Roughly 1%-2% of Ugandan women of reproductive age have experienced fistula symptoms, with an estimated 140,000 to 200,000 women living with the condition. #EndFistula
Uganda Village Project with support from @Fistula_Fdtn has been conducting these repair camps in kiryandongo General Hospital since 2024. They do 3 to 4 camps in a year to support women suffering from these conditions.
#EndFistula
They offer free PSS, treatment, meals and transport refund back home after repair. They further follow up after discharge to ensure adherence to post-operative instructions and full recovery.
#EndFistula
Obstetric fistula is preventable and treatable. It often results from prolonged, obstructed labor, particularly among young mothers whose bodies are not yet fully developed for childbirth.
Source: @MarieStopesUg
https://t.co/7BxY4xQLe0
Obstetric fistula is a hole between the birth canal and bladder or rectum or both, caused by prolonged, obstructed labour without access to timely, quality medical treatment.
It often leads to severe and chronic health problems, depression and social isolation.
#EndFistula
#FistulaFAQs
WHAT CAUSES A FISTULA?
Limited access to health care, including essential obstetric care during pregnancy and childbirth, early marriage, and existing harmful practices such as FGM which affect the normal delivery process.
#EndFistula