The Silent Agony of Obstetric Fistula: A Call for Awareness and Action.
Imagine a condition that’s more than just a physical ailment; it’s a thief of dignity, a destroyer of community bonds, and a silent tormentor of women. This is what Vesico-Vaginal Fistula (VVF) represents. That’s the medical term for a hole that develops between the bladder and vagina after severe or failed childbirth when a woman has been in labor for extended periods of time without any medical care. The consequences? Involuntary leakage of urine” for VVF and involuntary passage of feces where there is rectal involvement (RVF)
A delicate and deeply personal medical issue, Fistula affects individuals quite profoundly, becoming a source of shame, health problems, and isolation. For many women, VVF is not just a condition; it’s a life sentence to an existence of humiliation and pain, often for something as natural as giving birth.
Na’Imah’s Story
For Na’imah, a young mother whose labor lasted for days without any medical intervention, the joy of motherhood was eclipsed by the onset of this debilitating condition. Once a vibrant young woman with a love for the community and a zest for life, Na’imah was faced with fistula. With limited understanding and in most cases a very clear lack of compassion, her community recoiled from her. The odor that accompanied her condition became a barrier to social interaction, to the marketplace and even to her place of worship. She now faces isolation due to the stigma surrounding her condition. The same stigma echoes throughout Nigeria, where an estimated 20,000 new cases of fistula are reported each year, with only a fifth receiving treatment. Economic barriers, social stigma, and a lack of adequate healthcare infrastructure contribute to this situation. Young girls, thrust into motherhood before their time, are particularly vulnerable.
The impact of fistula transcends physical suffering, deeply affecting women’s emotional wellbeing. While surgery can repair the physical damage, the journey to emotional recovery requires collective empathy and action. Many women are unaware that treatment is possible or are unable to access the necessary care. We can prevent the anguish associated with fistula; it has been nearly eliminated in developed nations, and it is within our power to bring that success to women worldwide.
International organizations like the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Fistula Foundation have been instrumental in establishing VVF clinics that offer not only free surgical repair but also rehabilitation and reintegration services. The generous volunteerism of American medical professionals is invaluable, yet the need remains vast.
Effective obstetric care is critical, not only for preventing fistula but also as a matter of social justice to combat poverty and inequality. As global citizens we have a collective responsibility to uphold the rights of every woman and girl to education, economic opportunities, and healthcare, including sexual and reproductive services.
At HER Global Village, we’re committed to a future where no woman faces the risk of fistula, where her health and dignity are safeguarded. We stand united in the belief that every woman has the right to a life of health, respect, and equality.
HER Global Village is joining this noble fight. We are mobilizing resources to support outreach, advocacy, and clinical campaigns in 2024. Our efforts aim to not only support the medical interventions but to amplify the voices of those like Na’imah, ensuring their stories are heard and acted upon.