MPs call for fistula prevention

Dec 08, 2008

Women Members of Parliament have appealed to the Ministry of Health to increase facilities used in prevention and operation of obstetric fistula cases.

By Mary Karugaba

Women Members of Parliament have appealed to the Ministry of Health to increase facilities used in prevention and operation of obstetric fistula cases.

The African Women Ministers and Parliamentarians Network observed that cases of obstetric fistula were on the increase due to inadequate political and financial support.

The chairperson of the network in Uganda, Sarah Nyombi, expressed concern that treatment is available during annual or bi-annual missions of visiting surgical teams.

According to Nyombi, more than 4,337 women are waiting for surgery.

“Prevention is key to fistula elimination. Women who have the problem need surgical treatment then post-operative care,” she said.

She addeed: “A lot needs to be done to upgrade health facilities, provide equipment and supplies and team-based training of medical personnel.”

She noted that in addition to the physical scars, victims of the sickness are isolated in society, abandoned by spouses and families and go through psychological trauma.

Nyombi, accompanied by Kalangala woman MP Ruth Kavuma and Kaberamaido Woman MP Florence Ekwau, said the women need rehabilitation to rebuild their self esteem.

Kavuma said pregnant women should visit health centres early enough instead of relying on traditional birth attendants who may not be able to detect the problem.

Obstetric fistula is a severe morbidity caused by prolonged obstructed labour.

In 2007, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution supporting efforts to eradicate it.

Poverty, malnutrition, poor health services, early child bearing and gender discrimination can increase the vulnerability to infection.

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