By Hamu Madzedze
The UNFPA has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Ministry of Health and Child Care in addressing the burden of Obstetric Fistula in Zimbabwe.
Obstetric Fistula is the tearing that occurs between the birth canal and bladder or rectum and this leaves a woman leaking urine , stool or both without control.
UNFPA' s Country Representative Dr Esther Muia said they will ensure accessibility to corrective surgery to those women who have been affected by Obstetric Fistula.
Dr Muia pointed out that since 2015 UNFPA and the Ministry of Health and Child Care have been conducting fistula repair surgeries at Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital where a centre of excellence for fistula repair surgeries has been set.
"Since 2015 over 700 women are leading normal lives after the corrective surgery "she said
However she pointed out that while the corrective surgery is important there is a need to address the problem of fistula by putting strategies to prevent its occurrence.
"Prevention of early conception to give time for the pelvis to develop to the right size to carry a pregnancy is critical and nutritional guidance during pregnancy and timely prenatal care are vital in reducing cases of this condition"said Dr Muia.
The organisation's country representative said it is a key factor to ensure every woman delivers with skilled assistance in a health facility where they can access appropriate basic obstetric care and emergency obstetric care in the event of complications arising.
"Availability and access to voluntary family planning information and services will also reduce the number of women dying or being injured during child birth by at least 20%"said Dr Muia.
Women and girls with fistula face stigma and discrimination because of the unpleasant odour and endure depression and poverty because they cannot work in public with the condition and many are abandoned by their partners and families.
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