EngenderHealth- fistula Supplement
Sep 12, 2013
Each year, more than a quarter million women around the world die in pregnancy and childbirth, including 6,000 in Uganda. Of those who do not perish, an unknown number suffer longterm health problems.
Each year, more than a quarter million women around the world die in pregnancy and childbirth, including 6,000 in Uganda. Of those who do not perish, an unknown number suffer longterm health problems. One of the most devastating maternal injuries is obstetric fistula, an abnormal opening in the birth canal that results in constant leakage of urine and/or faeces.
Obstetric fistula can occur when labour lasts too long. During prolonged and obstructed labour, the soft tissues of the birth canal are compressed between the baby’s head and the mother’s pelvic bones, and the flow of blood to these tissues is blocked. Without blood circulation, the tissue starts to die and a hole forms
Fistula Surgery in progress at Hoima Hospital
Mapping current capacity and programs Although the Ministry of Health’s Department of Clinical Services coordinates fistula service provision, until recently it did not have sufficient information about who was doing what, where, and how.
To address this information gap, the National Fistula Technical Working Group developed two maps, visually showing the
availability of fistula services and trained personnel, including their skill levels. This has allowed Ministry of Health staff to
successfully advocate for resources and address competency and coverage gaps
