International Day to End Obstetric Fistula 2023: History, Significance, Theme

The International Day to End Obstetric Fistula will be observed on May 23 2023 to raise awareness about Obstetric Fistula, a medical condition that affects child-bearing women. The condition is more prominent in underdeveloped and developing countries and requires attention of the people worldwide for its prevention.

Obstetric Fistula is a topic of major concern that needs to be addressed and therefore a day is dedicated and observed every year for its prevention. With right medical assistance, the issue can be prevented and millions of women who lose their life due to it will be saved from untimely death. Its mere occurrence is a violation of human rights and a reminder of gross inequities. UN Member States have adopted a resolution to end fistula by 2030.

International Day to End Obstetric Fistula 2023 Upcoming Events

Below mentioned are the upcoming dates for International Day to End Obstetric Fistula for the next 5 years.

International Day to End Obstetric Fistula 2023

What is Obstetric Fistula, how is it dangerous and how to prevent it?

Also known as labor dystocia, an obstetric fistula is an abnormal opening found between a woman’s genital tract and rectum. Obstructed labor is the primary cause for this and occurs when an unborn baby is physically blocked from exiting the pelvis. Prolonged labor, poor access to medical care, malnutrition, and teenage pregnancy are some other causes for this condition.

With right sexual and reproductive health care, access to contraception and access to skilled birth attendants and high-quality emergency obstetric care, it is possible to prevent fistula. United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has been carrying out the Campaign to End Fistula which works on prevention and treatment of the condition. Treatment for obstetric fistula includes reconstructive surgery but the problem is that many women and girls don’t know about treatment, can’t access it or can’t afford it. To provide awareness about this, UNFPA is working day in and day out and has supported more than 120,000 surgical repairs.

International Day to End Obstetric Fistula Significance

Obstetric fistula is quite a common condition and every year 50000 to 100000 women worldwide are affected by it. To draw attention towards the condition and raise awareness of it, it is important to dedicate a day towards its ending and therefore it is important to observe the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula. Ending the condition will be a breakthrough step towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a plan dedicated and centered to fight for women’s rights, including the sexual and reproductive health.

History behind International Day to End Obstetric Fistula observance

In 2003 the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and its partners launched a global Campaign to End Fistula. This was an initiative to prevent fistula and restore the health of women who are affected by the condition. However, the official recognition by the United Nations came in 2012 and the first International Day to End Obstetric Fistula was observed on 23 May 2013.

International Day to End Obstetric Fistula 2023- Celebration

Campaigns and fundraisers are organized by health organizations all over the world to spread awareness for this day. You can participate in this campaign or donate to an organization working towards its awareness and treatment. To learn more about this day, you can read stories and watch videos of women who have received successful treatment for this condition.

Theme for International Day to End Obstetric Fistula 2023

The theme for the year 2022 was “End Fistula Now: Invest in Quality Healthcare, Empower Communities!”. As for the year 2023, the theme has yet to be decided and announced by the United Nations.

FAQs

Question 1: Can you name any organization working towards ending fistula that one can join?

Answer: Campaign to End Fistula, Fistula Foundation, Pathfinder International and Operation Fistula are some organizations working day and night toward ending Obstetric Fistula.

Question 2: When will be International Day to End Obstetric Fistula 2023 observed?

Answer: The International Day to End Obstetric Fistula 2023 will be observed on Tuesday, 23^rd of May 2023.

Question 3: What harm can Obstetric Fistula cause in extreme cases?

Answer: Obstetric fistula causes a lot of discomfort, chronic medical problems, depression, complications such as low blood pressure, organ damage and in extreme cases it can be fatal as well.