A 20-day campaign aimed at identifying women suffering from obstetric fistula was inaugurated at Shahjadpur Upazila Health and Family Planning Office in Sirajganj. Photo: BSS

SIRAJGANJ, May 2, 2026 (BSS) - A 20-day campaign aimed at identifying women suffering from obstetric fistula was inaugurated at Shahjadpur Upazila Health and Family Planning Office in Sirajganj today, marking the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula.

The initiative has been jointly organised by the Health Department and the Family Planning Department, with technical support from the Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh (CIPRB) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Bangladesh.

The campaign is being held under the global theme "Act Now to End Fistula by 2030," focusing on accelerating progress toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Md Masud Rana inaugurated the programme. Among others, Residential Medical Officer of the Upazila Health Complex Dr Muhammad Shamim Hossain, Dr Muhammad Juwel Rana and Dr Shamim Reza were present.

CIPRB District Coordinator Saiful Islam Sharif urged all participating doctors and specialists to extend full cooperation to ensure proper identification and treatment of affected women.

Other officials, including nursing supervisors, sanitary inspectors, health inspectors, government inspectors, health assistants and midwives, also attended the event.

During the discussion, participants identified four suspected fistula cases. The campaign will continue from May 2 to May 20.

Under the programme, suspected patients will first undergo preliminary screening and then be referred to the District Hospital Fistula Corner for diagnosis. Confirmed cases will be sent to the National Fistula Centre at Dhaka Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment.

UNFPA and CIPRB will cover treatment and transportation costs, while additional support will be provided for post-treatment rehabilitation of the patients.