RAJSHAHI, August 12, 2022 (BSS)- Sensible and effective role of the 
journalists, working in print, electronic and online media, can be the best 
ways of bringing the patients suffering from obstetric fistula under 
treatment and rehabilitation. 

The patients are getting the support of treatment and rehabilitation free of 
cost as many of the government and non-government organisations concerned are 
working in this field setting the target of freeing the country from 
obstetric fistula by 2030.
 
So, utmost emphasis should be given on reaching the messages about the cost-
free treatment and rehabilitation facilities to the patients suffering from 
the disease in different parts of the region, particularly in its remote and 
hard-to-reach areas.

Experts and development activists came up with the observation while 
addressing an advocacy meeting with print and electronic media journalists on 
obstetric fistula at Taz Community Centre in Puthiya upazila of the district 
on Thursday afternoon.

UNFPA Bangladesh and Lamb Hospital hosted the meeting under the FRReI project 
titled "Elimination of Genital Fistula by Capturing, Treating, Rehabilitating 
and Reintegrating in Bangladesh" sensitizing the media personnel on how to 
remove the sufferings of the patients.

LAMB Project Manager Mahatab Liton, its Deputy Project Manager Dr Tahamina 
Khatun and District Coordinator Ruhul amin Mridha addressed the meeting as 
resource persons disseminating their expertise on the issue.

The attending journalists were told that obstetric fistula is one of the most 
serious and tragic childbirth injuries. A hole between the birth canal and 
bladder and or rectum, it is caused by prolonged, obstructed labour without 
access to timely, high-quality medical treatment.
 
It leaves women with incontinence problems, and often leads to chronic 
medical problems, depression, social isolation and deepening poverty. 
 
However, the problem is preventable with the correct medical assistance and 
its occurrence is a violation of human rights and a reminder of gross 
inequities.

So, concerted efforts of all authorities concerned, including the media, has 
become crucial to mitigate the problem.

The LAMB Hospital is implementing need-based programmes including case 
Identification from the community, referral for diagnosis, timely management, 
motivation, counseling, follow up and comprehensive rehabilitation and 
reintegration to free the society from obstetric fistula by 2030.