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How UNFPA helps women in Guinea heal from obstetric fistula

Obstetric fistula is a condition that affects thousands of women in developing countries, including Guinea. It is often caused by prolonged and obstructed labor, resulting in a hole between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum.

This leads to involuntary leakage of urine and/or feces, which not only has physical health implications but also affects a woman’s mental and emotional well-being.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has been working tirelessly to help women like Kadiatou Bah in Guinea heal from obstetric fistula.

Through its programs and initiatives, UNFPA provides essential support and services to fistula survivors, including medical treatment, reproductive health care, counseling, and rehabilitation.

For women like Ms. Bah, who have been living with the devastating consequences of obstetric fistula for decades, the assistance provided by UNFPA is life-changing.

By offering access to specialized medical care, surgical interventions, and post-operative support, UNFPA gives these women a chance to restore their health, dignity, and quality of life.

In addition to medical treatment, UNFPA also works to raise awareness about obstetric fistula and challenge the stigma and discrimination faced by survivors.

By partnering with local health facilities, community leaders, and civil society organizations, UNFPA helps to promote a better understanding of fistula and ensure that women receive the care and support they need.

Through its efforts, UNFPA is not only helping women in Guinea heal from obstetric fistula but also empowering them to rebuild their lives, regain their independence, and reintegrate into their communities.

Obstetric fistula is a devastating condition that affects millions of women and girls around the world, especially in regions such as the Arab States, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and sub-Saharan Africa.

How UNFPA helps women in Guinea heal from obstetric fistula www.whoownsafrica.com
A 16-year-old girl awaits surgery at HEAL Africa hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Her baby died after six days of labor, and she continuously leaks urine because of obstetric fistula.

In Guinea alone, over 124,000 women are affected by this condition, which can lead to extreme levels of stigma and social exclusion.

Many survivors of obstetric fistula are young girls who were married off as children and became pregnant before their bodies were ready.

Providing care for these survivors involves addressing their medical, psychosocial, and socioeconomic needs, including access to surgical repair.

However, due to the lack of trained surgeons in many areas, it can be challenging for women to access the necessary treatment.

Despite these difficulties, progress is being made, with over 500 women receiving free fistula care between 2018 and 2023.

For women like Ms. Bah, who lived with obstetric fistula for nearly two decades before receiving proper treatment, the road to recovery is long and challenging but ultimately possible.

Through increased awareness, resources, and support, we can work towards a future where obstetric fistula is eradicated, and all women are able to live healthy, dignified lives free from this debilitating condition.

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of UNFPA and the Government of Guinea, women like Ms. Bah are now able to receive the medical care they need to recover from obstetric fistula.

The establishment of fistula management units across the country has provided a lifeline for many women who have been suffering in silence.

With trained medical teams ready to offer fistula repair surgeries, these women are able to regain their health and dignity.

Dr. Natalia Kanem’s powerful words emphasize the importance of addressing the root causes of obstetric fistula and investing in maternal health services for all women.

Through continued efforts to reach marginalized communities and provide universal access to quality healthcare, we can work towards ending obstetric fistula once and for all.

Go to Who Owns Africa for more news from the African continent.

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