Stand Up For Human Rights by Fighting Fistula

December 10, 2016Obstetric fistula is an especially important example on Human Rights Day 2016 because it is an underrepresented and often unheard of condition that affects a population that is also underrepresented and unheard: impoverished women.Over 2 million women around the world are living with obstetric fistula. So why haven ’t you heard of it?A fistula is a hole that forms between the vagina and the bladder and/or rectum during prolonged or protracted labor. It results in incontinence of urine and/or feces, pain, and more for the mother and, most often, stillbirth.Up to 100,000 women develop fistulas each year.Fistula is most prevalent among women in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. These women are also likely to lack basic education, be subjected to early and forced marriage, lack adequate food and water, and some also face harmful cultural practices such as female genital mutilation.The numbers, likely underestimated, suggest thatup to 100,000 women develop fistulas each year. But less than 20,000 fistula repair surgeries are performed annually.The good news is that if we answer theUnited Nations ' call for human rights together on Human Rights Day 2016, fistula could be prevented, treated, and even eliminated for all women.The intersectionality of fighting fistulaWhile surgeries and care by programs such as IntraHealth International ’sEnd Shame Restore Dignity are providing treatment for women already afflicted by fistula, it is also critical to recognize and addre...
Source: IntraHealth International - Category: Global & Universal Authors: Source Type: news