The United Nations (UN)’s International Day to End Obstetric Fistula is annually observed across the globe on 23 May to create awareness and intensify the actions towards ending obstetric fistula.
Obstetric Fistula is one of the most serious and tragic childbirth injuries caused by prolonged obstructed labour without access to timely medical treatment.
The theme of International Day to End Obstetric Fistula 2021 is “Women’s rights are human rights! End fistula now!”.
Background:
i.The United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/67/147 on 20th December 2012 and proclaimed the 23rd May of every year as the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula.
ii.The first International Day to End Obstetric Fistula was observed on 23rd May 2013.
Efforts to end Fistula:
i.Campaign to end Fistula aims to reduce the ongoing tragedy of maternal and newborn death and injury.
ii.The UN resolution A/RES/75/159 adopted on 16th December 2020 has committed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals(SDG) by 2030 and recognizes the efforts to end the obstetric fistula by 2030 and contribute to the achievement of SDG.
Key Points:
i.Around 800 women across the globe die from pregnancy or childbirth-related complications.
ii.Most fistulas occur in women living in poverty, in cultures where the status and self-esteem of women depend on marriage and the ability to bear children.
iii.The Obstetric fistula is preventable and in most cases, it can be treated.
