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Mark your calendars for May 23, because it's the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula! This day was first observed in 2013 by the United Nations General Assembly to raise awareness about obstetric fistula, a condition that affects millions of women around the world. It occurs when there is a hole between the birth canal and bladder or rectum, causing leakage of urine or feces. Despite being preventable and treatable, this condition still persists due to lack of access to proper healthcare. But on this day, we celebrate the progress made towards ending obstetric fistula and raise our voices for those who are still suffering. Let's all join hands in supporting these brave women and spreading awareness about this important cause.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Recognition of Obstetric Fistula</div><div class='timeline-text'>During the 19th century, obstetric fistula was recognized as a medical condition by notable physicians.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1952</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Fistula Hospital in Addis Ababa</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first dedicated fistula hospital was opened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, by Catherine and Reginald Hamlin.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2003</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>UNFPA and Fistula</div><div class='timeline-text'>UNFPA dedicated its efforts towards ending obstetric fistula by launching the Campaign to End Fistula.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2012</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Resolution adopted by UNGA</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to support efforts for the eradication of obstetric fistula.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2013</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Observance of the Holiday</div><div class='timeline-text'>The International Day to End Obstetric Fistula was first observed after a declaration by the United Nations General Assembly.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>2020 Theme - End gender inequality!</div><div class='timeline-text'>The theme for the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula in 2020 focused on ending gender inequality, which is seen as a root cause of obstetric fistula.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Raise awareness</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spread the word about obstetric fistula by posting on social media, sharing information with friends and family, and participating in local events to raise awareness about this important issue.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Support organizations working to end obstetric fistula</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Donate to or volunteer with organizations that are dedicated to ending obstetric fistula, such as Fistula Foundation or UNFPA. Your support can make a difference in the lives of women affected by this condition.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a fundraising event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Host a fundraiser or charity event to support organizations that work to end obstetric fistula. This can be anything from a bake sale to a charity walk, and it will not only raise funds but also help spread awareness about this important cause.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share stories of survivors</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>One of the most powerful ways to raise awareness and support for ending obstetric fistula is by sharing the stories of survivors. Organize a storytelling event or create a video to share these powerful stories with others.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Advocate for better maternal healthcare</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use your voice to advocate for better maternal healthcare and access to safe childbirth practices. Write to your local representatives, sign petitions, and get involved in advocacy efforts to bring about change and help end obstetric fistula.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness for a widespread issue</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Many people worldwide are not aware of obstetric fistula, which is a debilitating condition affecting women during childbirth. International Day to End Obstetric Fistula brings attention to this important and urgent matter, helping educate the public and advocating for better healthcare for women around the world.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It provides support and resources for those affected by obstetric fistula</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Not only does this day raise awareness, but it also helps provide support and resources for those living with obstetric fistula. From medical care to rehabilitation services, International Day to End Obstetric Fistula helps bring much-needed aid to those dealing with this condition.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It represents hope for a future without obstetric fistula</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By recognizing and addressing this issue, International Day to End Obstetric Fistula signifies hope for a world where this preventable and treatable condition no longer exists. Through education, advocacy, and support, we can work towards a future where obstetric fistula is eradicated, and all women can have safe and successful childbirth experiences.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Child Marriage is a leading cause of Obstetric Fistula</h3><p class='facts-text'>Since young girls' bodies aren't fully developed for childbirth, early marriage and consequent early pregnancy account for about 20% of obstetric fistula cases.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Delay in health care contributes to Obstetric Fistula</h3><p class='facts-text'>Obstetric fistula often occurs due to a delay in receiving emergency obstetric care, especially during prolonged labor. This points to the importance of timely and adequate maternal healthcare.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Over 2 million women are living with Obstetric Fistula globally</h3><p class='facts-text'>The World Health Organization estimates that more than 2 million young women are living with untreated obstetric fistula, mainly in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Fistula Surgery has a High Success Rate</h3><p class='facts-text'>Despite being a total nightmare for its sufferers, according to the United Nations, Obstetric Fistula can be cured with surgery in many cases, with reportedly a 90% success rate in uncomplicated cases.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>It's Considered an Indicator of Social Inequity</h3><p class='facts-text'>As obstetric fistula largely occurs among impoverished girls and women in remote areas who don't have access to quality healthcare, it's considered a key indicator of social and health inequalities.</p></div></div>
International Day to End Obstetric Fistula is celebrated on May 23 every year. In 2024, this date will fall on a Thursday.
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