Obstetric Fistula, Ethiopia Restoring Dignity and health
Caused by several days of obstructed labour without timely medical intervention, the consequences of fistula are life shattering.
The baby usually dies, and the woman is left incontinent, unable to stop urine running down her legs. She is often abandoned by her husband and family, and ostracised by her community.
Fistula is a preventable and treatable condition with good obstetric care, yet the World Health Organisation estimates that more than two million women are living with fistula in developing countries and an additional 50,000 to 100,000 new cases occur each year.
These are mostly marginalised members of society - young, poor, illiterate women and girls living in remote areas. Whilst shocking, these figures are still likely to be gross underestimates.
In 2003, the United Nations and partners launched a global Campaign to End Fistula in more than 35 countries, focusing on three key areas of prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.
Doctors are also training local medical staff in basic surgical techniques to treat fistula and perform caesarian sections which prevents fistula, right across Africa to solve the larger problem.
Global Angels is partnering with Virgin Unite to raise funds for women in Nigeria and Ethiopia to have corrective surgery.
