Campaign to End Fistula

The Campaign to End Fistula, led by UNFPA, has just announced that they'll quadruple in size and work in 45 countries (up from 12). There are at least 2 million women in Africa, Asia and the Arab region living with obstetric fistula and 50,000 to 100,000 new cases developing each year. While obstetric fistula is uncommon in countries where births are attended by skilled medical workers and emergency obstetric care is available, and where women can exercise their right to determine the number and spacing of their children, it occurs disproportionately among poor girls and women, especially those living far from medical services and with lack of access to family planning. It's one of the leading killers of pregnant women.

This week, the report 'Supporting Efforts to End Obstetric Fistula' was submitted to the General Assembly by Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon. It is the first-ever report on obstetric fistula to go to the General Assembly.