What is Obstetric Fistula?
One of the worst things that can happen to a woman is an obstetric fistula, an internal injury caused by an unrelieved obstructed labour during childbirth.
An obstetric fistula is an internal injury in the form of a hole between the birth canal and the bladder and/or rectum. It leaves women leaking urine or faeces, and sometimes both.
In Ethiopia, obstetric fistula causes untold physical and psychological pain to thousands of women.
What Causes Obstetric Fistula?
Obstetric fistula is caused by a prolonged, obstructed childbirth, when a woman lacks access to emergency medical care. During this time, the mother's delicate tissues in the birth canal are destroyed while trying to give birth.
Around 50% of the global burden of obstetric fistula occurs in sub-Saharan Africa, largely due to the lack of accessible healthcare, particularly in rural regions.
In Ethiopia, it is estimated that tens of thousands of women are still living with untreated obstetric fistula, often unaware that treatment is available.
Tragically, 93% of women who suffer an obstetric fistula will give birth to a stillborn baby often after an agonising obstructed labour that has lasted several days.
Around 30,000 women in Ethiopia are living with an untreated obstetric fistula injury.
It is estimated that approximately 400-1,000 new fistula cases will occur in Ethiopia each year.
Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia provides free treatment to all women, restoring health and dignity.
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