[ad_1]
By Christabel Addo, RNG
Accra, May 23, GNA – Ms. Erika Goldson, the
Deputy Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA),
On Thursday, the persistence of obstetric fistula echoed broader health
inequalities and constraints of the health system at the global level.
She said that the state, which affected two
millions of women in 55 low-income countries, suffered tragic injuries at birth
channel of a woman or girl after a prolonged and obstructed work, resulting
leakage of urine or faeces or both through the bad, and it leaves
humiliating effects on his victims.
Ms. Goldson stated that the factors explaining
these devastating conditions, including the lack of access to family planning,
qualified attendance at birth and emergency obstetric care, in addition to
violation of the rights of women and girls with obstetric fistula.
The theme of the 2019 commemorations:
"Fistula is a human rights violation – end now!"
Ms. Goldson speaking in front of a press
briefing in Accra, on the occasion of the International Day, stated that the theme
the heart of the matter and called for urgent action by all to eliminate the
suffering of those affected
She said that the condition has affected a high
female population almost exclusively in resource-poor countries in Africa
and in South Asia, with about 50,000 to 100,000 women diagnosed around the world
each year and were often subjected to isolation, shame and stigma.
"To end fistula, we need to ensure
access to quality badual and reproductive health services; eliminate gender
social and economic inequalities; prevent child marriages and early
maternity."
"We must also promote education and
human rights; encourage community involvement in finding solutions, such as
active participation of men, adolescents and young people, as well as seeking help
survivors of fistula as advocates. "
She said that UNFPA and its global partners
partners had been engaged since 2003 in the long battle against obstetrics
fistula and "we are dedicated to meeting the challenges of our health system,
that affect women and girls, especially those with obstetrics
fistula".
"These women do not have a voice in society.
Many are unable to access prenatal care and have a qualified midwife or midwife
auxiliary to take care of them, leading to an obstetric fistula in the first
place, "she added.
Ms. Goldson said that UNFPA would celebrate
50 years of existence, he would remain determined to support the fight against poverty
these injustices towards women and girls, and continue to support the mobilization
affected people to have surgical repairs and reinstatement in their
communities, post-operative.
UNFPA, she said, would also work with the
The national team of the Task Force on Obstetric Fistula, the Ghana Health Service (GHS), and
all stakeholders to restore the dignity, hopes and dreams of the many
affected women and girls who have been deprived of their basic rights.
Dr. Patrick Kuma Aboagye, Director of
The Division of Family Health, SGH, stated that the development of obstetric fistula was
directly linked to one of the main causes of maternal and infant mortality, as
the majority of women often lose their babies.
He said that obstetric fistula simply was not
avoidable, but could be cured by surgery, which had over the years
proved to have a 90% success rate but said that the biggest challenge for
many women and girls had reached a health facility that had a surgeon
trained in fistula repair.
Professor Anyetei T. Lbadey, President of
the national task force on obstetric fistula, said a study conducted by the GHS
in 2015, approximately 1,300 new cases of fistula occurred each year and
however, fewer than 100 cases are repaired, leaving 1,200 without care.
UNFPA, with the working group and
the GHS has launched a national program for the prevention and management of obstetric fistula
Strategy in 2017, as well as the 100 in 100 initiative under the
implementation strategy.
Again, the average cost of treating fistula
including surgery and postoperative care, was about GH¢3,200, which was good
out of reach of most women, and appealed to the institutions to support the
financial initiative to repair more cases and put smiles back on the faces of
the victims.
Professor Lbadey called for a strengthening of public opinion
education through the media, urging communities and families to encourage
patients to travel quickly to the nearest health facilities for necessary care.
badistance, saying; "No woman or girl should be deprived of her dignity,
and dreams "because it was their right and society should not hide them
stigmatize against them because shame and shame alone could kill them.
GNA
Source link
