Her Health, Her Right: Shaping a Future without Fistula
No woman or girl should have to endure obstetric fistula. The devastating condition, which is caused by complications during childbirth, results in pain, isolation and indignity - and yet is entirely preventable and treatable.
This year's theme, "Her health, her right: Shaping a future without fistula," underscores a powerful truth: that every woman and girl has the fundamental right to health -- particularly sexual and reproductive health -- and that the continued existence of obstetric fistula is a clear violation of that right.
Ending fistula would improve maternal health and well-being overall and is essential to achieving universal health coverage.
To build a future free of fistula, we must empower women and girls to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. High-quality, comprehensive care should be a right enjoyed by all -- regardless of geography, income, or status.
Effective and inclusive solutions must be grounded in the lived experiences of women, particularly those who have survived fistula. Their voices are essential in shaping policies and services that are rights-based and culturally sensitive. When community health workers, survivors, and informed leaders come together, they can challenge stigma, break down discriminatory norms, and spark real, lasting change.
Obstetric Fistula Remains a Silent Crisis
Obstetric fistula is one of the most serious and tragic childbirth injuries. A hole between the birth canal and bladder and/or rectum, it is caused by prolonged, obstructed labour without access to timely, high-quality medical treatment. It leaves women and girls leaking urine, faces or both, and often leads to chronic medical problems, depression, social isolation and deepening poverty.
Half a million women and girls in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, the Arab States region and Latin America and the Caribbean are estimated to be living with fistula, with new cases developing every year. Yet fistula is almost entirely preventable.
Its persistence is a reminder of gross inequities, a sign of global inequality and an indication that health and social systems are failing to protect the health and human rights of the poorest and most vulnerable women and girls.
As the leader of the global , the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) provides strategic vision, technical guidance and support, medical supplies, training and capacity building, as well as funds for fistula prevention, treatment and social reintegration and advocacy programmes. UNFPA also strengthens sexual and reproductive health care including timely and quality emergency obstetric services to prevent obstetric fistula from occurring in the first place.