International Day to End Obstetric Fistula
International Day to End Obstetric Fistula is May 23
According to the United Nations, an estimated 2 to 3 million women and girls in developing countries are living with obstetric fistula – a statistic Mercy Ships is trying to change.
Obstetric fistula is one of the most serious and tragic injuries that can occur during childbirth. It is a hole between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum caused by prolonged, obstructed labour without treatment.
The condition typically leaves women incontinent, and as a result they are often shunned by their communities. Sufferers often endure depression, social isolation and deepening poverty. Many women live with the condition for years – or even decades – because they cannot afford to obtain treatment.
The United Nations has identified preventing and treating obstetric fistula as key to achieving their Sustainable Development Goal 3, which is ensuring healthy lives, in this case improving maternal health.
The Mercy Ships Women’s Health Program gives free fistula repair operations for affected women. The healed patients are given new dresses and headdresses as symbols of their restored life. The program also works to build the capacity of healthcare systems in developing nations to address the condition of fistula by proving training for local surgeons, nurses and traditional birth attendants.
If you DONATE NOW, your support can help support women suffering from obstetric fistula. Learn more about the Women’s Health Program here.
Written By: Andrea Gilbert
Raising the Bar for Safe Surgical Care on World Health Day
Dr. Juliette Tuakli speaks on what the theme for this year’s World Health Day, “Health for All,” really looks like on the continent of Africa.
A Legacy of Hope and Healing
Celebrating the surgeon behind the first operation on the Global Mercy. Learn more about Dr Rachel Buckingham.
First Patient Recieves Surgery on the Global Mercy®
Meet orthopedic patient Amadou, who received the first surgery on board the hospital ship Global Mercy®
Mercy Ships Canada and Foresight for IT Celebrate 5 Years of Corporate Social Responsibility
Honoring and acknowledging the support from our vital partner, Foresight for IT, as we celebrate five years together.
A Young Leader’s Philanthropic Inspiration
Discover how a young girl inspires others by making a generous donation to Mercy Ships Canada
Creating New Connections: Mercy Ships Canada and the Francophone Nursing Community
Find out how Mercy Ships Canada is getting involved with the French speaking nursing community.
Share
Related Posts
A Young Leader’s Philanthropic Inspiration
Discover how a young girl inspires others by making a generous donation to Mercy Ships Canada
Mercy Ships Canada and Foresight for IT Celebrate 5 Years of Corporate Social Responsibility
Honoring and acknowledging the support from our vital partner, Foresight for IT, as we celebrate five years together.
First Patient Recieves Surgery on the Global Mercy®
Meet orthopedic patient Amadou, who received the first surgery on board the hospital ship Global Mercy®
A Promise Fulfilled: The Africa Mercy Returns to Africa
The Africa Mercy® hospital ship returned to West Africa, bringing hope and healing as the vessel docked once again in the port of Dakar, Senegal.
A Legacy of Hope and Healing
Celebrating the surgeon behind the first operation on the Global Mercy. Learn more about Dr Rachel Buckingham.
Raising the Bar for Safe Surgical Care on World Health Day
Dr. Juliette Tuakli speaks on what the theme for this year’s World Health Day, “Health for All,” really looks like on the continent of Africa.