Treating and Preventing Obstetric Fistula

Obstetric fistula is a devastating childbirth injury caused by prolonged labor and lack of access to maternal health services. Through treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention UNFPA works to end obstetric fistula.

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We Can End This Devastating Childbirth Injury

Obstetric fistula occurs mostly among women and girls living in extreme poverty, especially those far from medical services.

Obstetric fistula is a hole in the birth canal caused by prolonged, obstructed labor. It leaves women incontinent and often leads to chronic medical problems, depression, social isolation and deepening poverty.

Through the Campaign to End Fistula, UNFPA works to prevent and treat fistula and to rehabilitate fistula survivors so they can rejoin their communities. The coalition of organizations active in the campaign is present in more than 50 countries and has directly supported 85,000 surgical repairs for women and girls.

2 MillionWomen

live with untreated fistula

50,000 to 100,000New cases

of obstetric fistula develop annually

39,217Fistula repair surgeries

from 2014-2016, supported by UNFPA’s Campaign to End Fistula

UNFPA’s Work to End Fistula

UNFPA helps fistula survivors reclaim their lives. See the impact of this crucial work.

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