On International Day, UN agency urges ‘hope, healing, dignity’ for fistula sufferers

23 May 2017 – Obstetric fistula has largely been eliminated in developed countries, but more than two million women and girls still live with the condition, the head of the United Nations women’s health agency today said, calling for investment and support to eliminate the debilitating and stigmatizing condition.

&#8220With strong political leadership, investment and action, we can end this scourge in our lifetime,&#8221 the Executive Director of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), Babatunde Osotimehin, said in his message for the Day.

&#8220Join us in standing with the world’s poorest, most marginalized women and girls.&#8221

Obstetric fistula is a hole in the birth canal caused by obstructed labour. Women who experience obstetric fistula suffer constant incontinence, shame, social segregation and health problems.

The condition, which affects between 50,000 and 100,000 new women and girls each girl, is believed to be largely avoided by delaying the first age of pregnancy, avoiding harmful traditional practices, and receiving medical attention in time.

That, unfortunately, was not the case for Nachilango Bisolomo in Malawi. She married early and was pregnant by the age of 18, before her pelvis fully developed. After a long and difficult labour, her baby died, and Ms. Bisolomo was left with a fistula.

She changed her name from Nasiwelo to Nachilango, meaning &#8220one who has been punished.&#8221

Like many survivors, she felt embarrassed and alienated: &#8220My life has been hell.&#8221

After 46 years, Ms. Bisolomo had her fistula repaired at a clinic supported by UNFPA.

&#8220I don’t intend to change my name when I go back, despite being healed,&#8221 she told UNFPA from her hospital bed, &#8220because I want to still be an example to many that this condition can be cured.

In his message for the Day, Mr. Osotimehin noted women like Ms. Bisolomo, as well as two women whom he has known personally who underwent the procedure at the ages of 83 and 77.

&#8220I have no words to describe the sense of hope, healing and restored dignity for that this treatment provided,&#8221 he said, &#8220foremost to these two women, but also to their loved ones.&#8221

In recognition of women who have endured this condition for decades, this year’s theme is ‘Hope, healing and dignity for all’ with a special focus on those most left behind, excluded and shunned by society.