As the world observes the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula every May 23, the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services (CBCHS), in partnership with the Fistula Foundation, is intensifying efforts to raise awareness and promote action against this devastating childbirth injury.
This annual observance aims to shed light on obstetric fistula, a condition that leaves women leaky, causing severe physical and mental health issues.
Obstetric fistula occurs when a woman endures prolonged and obstructed labor without timely access to emergency Caesarean sections (CS). This injury results in uncontrollable leaking of urine and/or stool through the vagina, leading to significant social stigma, rejection, and discrimination.
The CBC Health Services, through its treatment centers at Mbingo Baptist Hospital (MBH) and Nkwen Baptist Hospital (NBH), through this campaign has indicated her dedicated to providing effective treatment and support to women suffering from this condition.
The Impact of Obstetric Fistula
According to the CBCHS led campaign,, women affected by obstetric fistula face a multitude of challenges beyond the physical discomfort. The condition often results in social isolation, depression, and economic hardship due to the pervasive smell of leaking urine or feces. These women frequently encounter stigma and discrimination, which can lead to divorce or separation and severely impact their mental health.
CBC Health Services' Commitment
From the campaign, the CBC Health Services is committed not only to treating obstetric fistula but also to preventing it through accessible and effective maternal healthcare. In partnership with the Fistula Foundation, they are ensuring that women receive the care they need. Expert fistula surgeons at MBH and NBH are capable of repairing the injury with a high success rate, providing hope and a new lease on life for affected women.
“Fistula can be treated by expert fistula surgeons who can repair the injury with a very high success rate,”
“Let us all influence the uptake of treatment by all women living with fistula.” some of the flyers partly read
Preventive Measures
Accessible maternal healthcare and routine antenatal clinic visits for pregnant women according to the CBCHS can significantly reduce the risk of developing fistula. The CBCHS says they reading to provide comprehensive maternal health services to prevent these injuries from occurring in the first place.
The CBCHS and the Fistula Foundation are calling on everyone to take action by identifying and referring women with fistula to their treatment centers at MBH and NBH. According these institutions, by working together, we can help end the suffering caused by obstetric fistula and restore the dignity and health of affected women.
For more information and to participate in the campaign, please contact:
Project Coordinator
Phone: (+237) 6 72 41 68 58
Email: spd@cbchealthservices.org
Website: [www.cbchealthservices.org](http://www.cbchealthservices.org)
Together, let us make obstetric fistula a thing of the past and ensure a healthier, more inclusive future for all women.
By Bakah Derick
Email: hilltopvoicesinfo@gmail.com
Tel: 6 94 71 85 77