One of the most severe and tragic childbirth injuries affecting an estimated 20,000 women across Bangladesh is Obstetric Fistula. A childbirth injury caused by prolonged and obstructed labour without treatment leads to a hole between the birth canal and bladder or rectum. It leaves women leaking urine, faeces or both, and often leads to chronic medical problems, depression, social isolation, and deepening poverty.
Obstetric fistula is preventable, its persistence is a sign that the health system is not yet protecting the health and rights of the most vulnerable girls and women adequately. Without emergency intervention, obstructed labour can last for days, resulting in death or severe disability. Without the needed timely, high-quality treatment, the obstruction can cut off the blood supply to tissues in the woman’s pelvis. The dead tissue falls away, leaving behind a hole.
Tragically, in a majority of cases, women who develop this condition end up delivering a stillborn baby.
UNFPA works with national partners to improve:
- Fistula case identification and referral system.
- Fistula case management rehabilitation and reintegration services for Obstetric Fistula.
- Functional Fistula Corners and designated fistula centers.
- Coordination and partnership.
- Advocacy and building awareness.
- Prevention.
- Evidence generation.
