First Lady launches international day to end obstetric fistula

First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, H.E Rebecca Akufo-Addo on Thursday, May 23, 2024, joined the Partnership to End Fistula in Ghana (PEFIG), fistula survivors, and other stakeholders to launch the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula, at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra.

At the launch, the First Lady highlighted the importance of paying close attention to interventions that target the underlying health system gaps as well as social and economic factors that lead to the occurrence of fistulas.

Obstetric Fistula occurs as a result of prolonged and protracted labour resulting in mothers leaking urine or faeces through the vagina.

The First Lady noted that women who have these complications experience untold physical, social, economic, and psychological problems.

In Ghana, the data shows that Fistula occurs in poorer communities and among low-income, less-educated women.

Commending the Partnership to End Fistula in Ghana (PEFIG), Mrs. Akufo-Addo disclosed that as a member of the partnership, her office has already committed to 20 fistula repairs.

With Fistula being treatable with the timely provision of skilled emergency obstetric care, the First Lady therefore urged other corporate organizations to join the partnership for increased impact.