UNFPA in collaboration with the Ministry of Health of Ethiopia, the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, and Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia, held a high-level strategic partnership and advocacy event on May 30 in support of survivors of obstetric fistula. The event hosted under the theme ‘SEE THE UNSEEN: A Night to Restore Fistula Survivors’ Lives’ formed part of the commemoration of this year’s International Day to End Obstetric Fistula.
Delivering welcome remarks at the event, Mr. Koffi Kouame, UNFPA Country Representative, said reflecting on the theme that it is a recognition of “the resilience of women whose voices have been drowned out by stigma, whose lives have been shadowed by isolation, and whose suffering has too often gone unnoticed.”
The stark lack of adequate skilled birth attendants and timely access to emergency obstetric care continue to challenge efforts on the reduction of maternal mortality and morbidities such as obstetric fistula in Ethiopia, with harmful practices like child marriage and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) being contributing factors.
Obstetric fistula is one of the most devastating childbirth injuries — caused by prolonged, obstructed labor without timely access to emergency obstetric care. For too many women the condition results in constant incontinence, chronic pain, and a lifetime of stigma, abandonment, and isolation. It is an entirely preventable health condition. The Ministry of Health-Ethiopia is spearheading a national campaign to eliminate obstetric fistula in Ethiopia by 2030 engaging various partners. The campaign aims to strengthen prevention strategies while accelerating the treatment of the backlog of obstetric fistula cases.
Speaking at the event, H.E. Dr. Mekdes Daba, Minister of Health-Ethiopia, said that the event marked a promise “to elevate the work already underway, to recognize the leadership of those who have carried this agenda forward, and to mobilize the additional will and resources needed to end obstetric fistula once and for all.”
Around 9,000 women develop obstetric fistula each year in Ethiopia, with only 1,500 per year receiving the care they need at the 9 fistula treatment centres across the country.
The high-level event aimed at mobilizing resources and forging strategic partnerships to support critical work in obstetric fistula.
H.E. Hikma Keyredin, State Minister of Women and Social Affairs, said “the government, private sector, civil society, development partners and other stakeholders must forge stronger partnership, pool resources together and bring a lasting solution” in the effort at ending obstetric fistula in Ethiopia.
The proceeds from the event will support free surgeries and comprehensive post-operative care for obstetric fistula and pelvic organ prolapse survivors (another maternal health morbidity associated with childbirth), including identification and transportation. Support will also be provided for rehabilitation and psycho-social efforts to help survivors reintegrate back into their communities. Moreover, life skills and vocational training will be provided to support women’s economic independence and long-term recovery.
The event engaged high-level stakeholders, the private sector, and development partners, sister UN agencies, civil society organizations and other stakeholders supporting the cause. The event which saw the presentation of testimonials and stories of survivors of obstetric fistula turned out to be an evening of inspiration, celebration, and renewed commitment to end obstetric fistula in Ethiopia.
