The Ministry of Health and Social welfare of Jubbaland state of Somalia has today held an event in Kismayo to mark the International Day To End Obstetric Fistula.
The event which is marked annually aims at educating and drawing attention to the devastating injury caused during an obstructed labour, an injury which continues to impact the lives of tens of thousands of women.
The Jubbaland state health ministry marked the day by educating the community about the eradication of this disease which mainly affects women.
According to data, this disease affects 2 million women while 50,000 to 100,000 women suffer from it every year.
Obstetric fistula is a hole between the birth canal and bladder or rectum, caused by prolonged, obstructed labour without access to timely, high-quality medical treatment. It leaves women and girls leaking urine, faeces or both, and often leads to chronic medical problems, depression, social isolation and deepening poverty. Ninety percent of pregnancies involving fistula end in stillbirth.
Surgical closure of an obstetric fistula is the most effective way to treat this condition. Evidence indicates that life improves dramatically for the majority of women after successful fistula repair.
The event was attended by the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of health of the Jubbaland State, Dr. Ahmed Mohamed, Speaker of the Jubbaland Parliament, traditional elders and women from all walks of life.
BY OSMAN HUSSEIN ALI
