Photo: BSS

GAIBANDHA, May 23, 2026 (BSS) — International Day to End Obstetric Fistula was observed in the district as elsewhere in the country and the world today with a call to build an obstetric fistula-free country by 2030.
 
This year’s theme of the day was: “Her Health is a Right; Invest in Ending Fistula and Childbirth Injuries.”
 
Marking the day, the Civil Surgeon’s Office, in cooperation with UNFPA Bangladesh and Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh (CIPRB), chalked out various programmes.
 
A rally was brought out from the Civil Surgeon’s Office premises around 10 am and ended at the same venue after parading main roads of the town.
 
A discussion was held at the conference room of the Civil Surgeon’s Office with Civil Surgeon Dr Rafiquzzaman in the chair.
 
Medical Officer Dr M Shakib, Dr Sirajum Monira, Save the Children Bangladesh Technical Manager Dr Amina Khatun, Senior Health Education Officer Pulok Chakrabartee, CIPRB District Coordinator Abu Bakar Siddik and journalist Sarker Shahiduzzaman addressed the programme, among others.
 
Speakers stressed the need for early identification of obstetric fistula patients and their access to treatment facilities at government hospitals, including Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital in Bogura.
 
Dr Rafiquzzaman said obstetric fistula is one of the most serious childbirth injuries, caused by prolonged obstructed labour without timely access to quality medical care. It results in a hole between the birth canal and the bladder and/or rectum.
 
He added that the condition leads to incontinence, often causing chronic health problems, depression, social isolation and increased poverty.
 
He also stressed the need for greater public awareness about obstetric fistula and its treatment.
 
A large number of health officials, NGO activists from organisations including GUK, SKS Foundation and Friendship, and invited guests attended the programme.